Preservative-free foods provide numerous advantages, from improving health to supporting local businesses. But they don’t come without their share of risks.
The authors found no difference between preservative-free and preserved groups with regard to corneal/conjunctival staining scores, OSDI scores or medical adherence rates. Furthermore, the single-dose container system made drug management simpler for patients and may have contributed to improved rates in the preservative-free group.
Eye Drops
Preservative-free eye drops provide relief for dry eyes. There are long-acting options as well as single use vials which can be kept at home or taken on the go for quick access. There are several over-the-counter choices and flexible spending accounts may even cover these drops’ cost.
Many lubricating eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK). BAK can irritate both eyes and contact lenses when used frequently; in addition, BAK is thought to contribute to ocular surface disease (OSD), an issue commonly experienced by glaucoma patients.
Study results revealed that single-use BAK-free eye drops contained significantly fewer microbial contaminants than traditional multi-dose bottles, leading the authors to recommend that physicians prescribe and use them accordingly as intended; discarding after each application to minimize risk and ensure patient compliance with their medication regimen.
Skin Care
As the clean beauty movement gains steam, some skincare brands have made bold claims that their products are preservative free. Unfortunately, any product containing water or botanical ingredients requires preservatives as wet formulas provide perfect conditions for bacteria growth.
Without preservatives, face cream would quickly spoil, just like leftovers in the refrigerator! Unfortunately, harsh synthetic preservatives such as parabens, phthalates and sulfates have earned themselves an unfavorable reputation by contributing to skin irritation, hormone disruption and long-term health concerns.
Natural preservatives include ingredients found naturally in green tea and chicory such as phenethyl alcohol. Another effective natural preservative option is Preservative Eco, which uses caprylyl glycol and phenoxyethanol in combination to provide antimicrobial activity against fungi, yeast and bacteria; providing a safer alternative than synthetic options which often release formaldehyde or cause irritation. These natural options come packaged in airless pumps or tubes to avoid contamination while prolonging shelf life of products.
Hair Care
Many natural hair products contain preservatives to ensure they remain safe for your scalp and locks, yet not all preservatives are created equal; some contain chemicals which could lead to irritation, dryness or even hair loss.
There are various natural preservatives that are safe to use in natural and organic cosmetics. Many COSMOS and ECOCERT approved systems exist that will enable you to formulate natural hair products without resorting to harsh synthetic chemicals.
Potassium Sorbate is an effective natural preservative used to reduce the risk of fungal, yeast and bacteria growth in your hair products. As it’s water-soluble and odorless, Potassium Sorbate creates stability within product formulation.
Search for hair care products free from parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben and isobutylparaben), phthalates, synthetic fragrances and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol), DEA/TEA or methylisothiazolinone to ensure it doesn’t spoil over time. When purchasing products made without parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben), make sure to follow manufacturer directions when storing products so as to keep their freshness.
Bath & Body
Bath & Body Works has everything you need, from luxurious body lotion and hand sanitizers to aromatic home fragrances. As one of the nation’s premier specialty retailers of beauty and personal care products, they boast an expansive product selection backed by unparalleled customer service.
Many of their products are preservative-free and adhere to ethical business standards, such as not testing them on animals. Some do contain additives, including BHA/BHT which are synthetic antioxidants with carcinogenicity risks as well as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) which is chelating agent that may damage organs.
Bath & Body Works’ semi-annual sale in June and December offers discounts of up to 60 percent on seasonal or nearing their expiration items, such as seasonal scents. Some associates suggested stockpiling up ahead of time as certain scents tend to sell out quickly during this event. If a specific fragrance eludes you, visiting an official outlet store might help with discounts that reach as much as 75 percent!
