Before you buy a product simply because it’s labeled as “preservative-free,” here are some guidelines to help you better understand why most cosmetics need some kind of preservative, and to know what to look for on the shelf.
Cosmetics are compounds of water, oil, wax, functional actives, plant extracts, fragrances, and other additives for textural or visual effect. Any product that contains water, and requires a shelf life of more than a week, needs some kind of preservative to avoid spoilage.
