Preservatives in Body Care Products

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sylvia Johnson on July 8, 2011 at 1:25pm

Hello Terri,

 

I am not on the site as much as I should:-) So I just read your question. As far as I know as a certified aromatherapist, their are many EO  that inhibit bacteria in the first place. Also, I sterilize my containers etc using hospital grade disinfectant. That way if bacteria or microorganism do form, this disinfectant will destroy them. If you like anymore information regarding the disinfectant I will be more than happy to provide it. 

 

Hopes this helps.

 

Sylvia 

Permalink Reply by IBN Member Joan Morais on October 8, 2011 at 1:04pm

Hello Terri,

Yes, it is crucial for products containing water to have an effective preservative system. Always think of personal care products without a preservative system, like yogurt. They must be stored in the refrigerator. You would never leave yogurt out of the refrigerator.

Essential oils are antimicrobials but to be effective as the preservative, they need to be used in high amounts and this is irritating to the skin.

There are "all-natural" preservatives that I have effective testing results. I shared all about it in the book I wrote, How To Make Professional Lotions and Creams. The information in the book is backed by lab test results and filled with everything you need to know to make products containing water. 

http://joanmorais.com/joansbooks/how_to_make_natural_lotion_and_cre...

 

Permalink Reply by C.Dawn Farrow on October 10, 2011 at 9:51pm

Hello!  I use OPTIPHEN for my products because I sell my natural skin care products.  It is as safe a preservative as you can get outside of your essential oils. It doesnt emit formaldehyde like the parabens.  Good luck hope that helps!

Permalink Reply by IBN Member Joan Morais on October 14, 2011 at 12:55am

C. Dawn, it is good you are using a preservative. I used Optiphen for many years and always had good testing results with it.

 

 

Permalink Reply by C.Dawn Farrow on October 14, 2011 at 1:22am

Thanks Joan!  I did a lot of research trying to find something that would be like having nothing added but giving a presevative especially to my body scrubs and foot scrubs where I use goat's milk and they encounter water when being used.

Permalink Reply by Michelle Lockert on May 15, 2012 at 4:56pm

Hi ladies...Im joining this forum rather late, however I had a question about the Optiphen. The INCI is Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol. my limited understanding is that is Phenoxyethanol is derived from an ingredient that starts out as phenol which is a toxic white crystalline powder that's created from benzene which I think is a carcinogen? Just wanted to get your thoughts, wisdom or advise on that. my mind is ready to explode!!...thanks in advance!

 

Permalink Reply by Marcia Coppess on May 15, 2012 at 7:05pm

I'd love to hear some opinions about Optiphen vs Liquid Germall Plus.  I'd also like to hear from anyone who has used Leucidal.  I'd love to change over to Leucidal, but the last I read it hadn't proved completely useful against fungi.  

Anyone know about that?

Permalink Reply by IBN Member Joan Morais on May 21, 2012 at 9:16pm

Hello Marcia,

I prefer Optiphen over Liquid Germall Plus. Liquid Germall Plus has an ingredient in it that is on the hot list and most consumers don't want.

Regarding Leucidal Liquid. I use it depending on the product and using a preservative system with it. Here is a book I wrote that includes information on preservatives: 
http://joanmorais.com/shop/how-to-make-professional-natural-lotions...

Permalink Reply by IBN Member Joan Morais on May 21, 2012 at 9:13pm

Hello Michelle,

Optiphen is a synthetic preservative. I used to use it years ago as it was considered mild to the skin and was used in place of parabens. I use three all-natural preservatives. It is not as easy as putting Optiphen in. A preservative system must be built up including other ingredients such as antioxidants, antifungal, etc. I wrote a book going into extensive detail http://joanmorais.com/shop/how-to-make-professional-natural-lotions...

Here is a blog post on lotion and cream making http://joanmorais.com/making-lotions-and-creams/

Permalink Reply by Michelle Lockert on May 22, 2012 at 3:53pm

Thk u Joan...u r a wealth of information and I plan on getting your book...;)