Formulating Self-Preserving Cosmetics

For many reasons, people feel wary about preservatives in cosmetics. Parabens, for example, have a very bad reputation due to reports that they cause endocrine disruption or reproductive harm.

One solution to concerns about preservatives is to use natural and natural-identical preservatives that are approved for use by natural and organic standards such as COSMOS.

Another exciting and innovative option is to create self-preserving products that use innovative formulation techniques to extend product shelf-life without the need for traditional preservatives.

The underlying principles of self-preservation revolve around creating an inhospitable environment for microbial growth, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination and product
degradation. This is achieved through various mechanisms and strategies, including:

• pH control.
• Use of chelating agents.
• Use of natural antimicrobial ingredients.
• Lowering water activity.
• Packaging considerations.

This class includes the detailed theory of self-preservation and five example preservative-free formulations that show the techniques in action. These are not simple anhydrous products but rather water-containing products such as gels, sprays and emulsions.

We will share with you Preservative Efficacy Test results that prove our formulations are safe from microbial growth even under rigorous laboratory testing.

You will be able to use these same strategies to formulate your own preservative-free, self-preserving products.

In this class, you will learn:

• The importance of cosmetic preservation.
• Five strategies for creating self-preserving products.
• Low-risk cosmetic formulations.
• Disadvantages of self-preserving cosmetics.
• Hurdle technology and how to implement it in your formulations.
• The differences between hurdle technology and self-preserving cosmetics.
• Preservative-free claims.
• Examples of self-preserving products on the market.

You will receive five self-preserving formulations from our lab, ready for you to make at home:

Magnesium Gel – A preservative-free, water-based gel formulated to COSMOS standards that provides magnesium through dermal absorption. This can help with magnesium deficiency symptoms such as muscle spasms and cramps.

Lactic Acid Toner – A preservative-free, very gentle, natural exfoliating toner formulated to COSMOS standards. It functions as a chemical exfoliant, aiding the removal of dead skin cells and thus smoothing the skin surface.

Lime and Mint Roll-on Deodorant – A light, low viscosity, preservative-free, emulsion-based deodorant formulated to COSMOS standards that prevents unpleasant odor due to sweating.

Lime and Mint Spray Deodorant – A preservative-free liquid deodorant in a spray bottle formulated to COSMOS standards that prevents unpleasant odor due to sweating.

Sweet Orange Hydrating Facial Cleanser – A preservative-free face wash suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. This natural and gentle cleansing gel is formulated to COSMOS standards and gently cleanses the skin while keeping it hydrated.

With each formulation, we share product development questions, a formula, instructions, product specifications and PET results. Follow our formulations and then create your own!

This class includes a beautiful textbook to download and a demonstration video showing our cosmetic scientist making the Sweet Orange Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which you can follow along with step by step.

Not a member of the Club? Join now and use your first month's credits to access the Formulating Self-Preserving Cosmetics class.

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