What are preservatives and what are they used for?
Preservatives are substances of natural or synthetic origin whose main role is to prevent physico-chemical degradation and the development of micro-organisms (bacteria, yeasts and fungi) in cosmetic products and in particular in face care. They are absolutely essential to ensure the protection of certain categories of cosmetic products (lotions, face creams, etc.) from microbial contamination that may occur accidentally during manufacture or repeated use by the consumer. Face care products have a long shelf life (6 to 12 months after opening) and are stored at room temperature. Poorly protected and contaminated facial care can lead to health risks for the consumer.
What do we blame the Conservatives for?
Despite the essential role of preservatives in protecting skin care, their benefit is regularly disputed. They are often accused of causing allergies, and singled out as endocrine disruptors.
How do we ensure their safety?
The number and concentration of preservatives that can be used in skincare products are very limited and strictly regulated by numerous international regulations. The safety data of these preservatives are very regularly reviewed by scientific experts from international health authorities, in order to take into account the most recent studies. The concentrations that can be used in skin care can be adjusted on this occasion, in order to rule out potential impacts on the health of the consumer.
Why is L’Oréal Paris face care protection safe?
L’Oréal Paris uses a very limited number of preservatives chosen for each facial treatment, when microbiological protection cannot be ensured by any other means. The preservatives and their concentrations are rigorously selected to guarantee the right level of microbiological protection for the product studied, in strict compliance with international regulations, while ensuring perfect safety for the consumer.
L’Oréal has also developed an aggressive innovation strategy in the field of microbiological protection of formulas consisting i) to seek new preservatives with an irreproachable safety profile and ii) to develop specific packaging and new formulations that are not vulnerable to microbiological contamination.
