Preservatives are added to ophthalmic products to protect them against microbial contamination; however, these ingredients may cause irritation, allergies, and disrupt ocular surface integrity.1
Patients who rely on eye drops frequently can benefit from switching to preservative-free formulations, with studies demonstrating improved symptoms when BAK-preserved eye drops are replaced by PF formulations.
Preservatives
Preservatives are used in food products for numerous reasons. They can extend shelf life, preserve shape and smell or simply make them more visually appealing. Preservatives also act as antimicrobials preventing bacterial or fungal growth on food substances or as antioxidants slowing oxidation of ingredients in products.
No matter whether natural or artificial, all medications have been extensively researched and regulated to ensure they do not cause side effects in humans. Yet there has been an emerging movement to utilize less-expensive all-natural alternatives that still meet regulatory standards.
Propyl Paraben (PPA) made headlines in 2019 for being linked to autism spectrum disorder in infants. PPA acts as an effective mold inhibitor but also alters neuronal stem cells on a molecular level, as well as leaching into soil if food containing preservatives ends up in landfills; this could potentially alter soil chemistry by altering nutrients levels – leading to adverse ecological outcomes.
Artificial Ingredients
Food additives are artificial ingredients chemically produced to fulfill specific technological functions, such as increasing shelf life or adding colour. Additives are widely used in processed foods like cheeses, baked goods, canned vegetables salad dressings and chips.
Studies have demonstrated that artificial flavorings may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals; more research must be conducted in order to fully comprehend their long-term ramifications on health. More and more companies are making pledges to remove artificial flavorings from their products – including fast-food giants like Panera Bread, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut – including pledges by major players like Panera Bread, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut to do just this.
Natural flavorings are created using extracts derived from fruits, vegetables and other plants. While their creation can be complex, FDA safety guidelines must first be met in order to be approved as food-grade ingredients. They typically appear on ingredient labels with their name followed by a number (in Europe they’re typically identified with an E).
Safety
Preservatives are added to food, cosmetics and other products in order to extend their shelf life and protect from bacteria, yeast and mold growth. Artificial and natural options exist.
Some consumers fear chemical preservatives are harmful to their health and are increasingly seeking products made from natural, non-preserved materials instead. Doing this is beneficial as it reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals that could trigger allergies or sensitivities over time.
Some cosmetic scientists are currently exploring alternative preservatives. Last year, Rhodia acquired an array of such ingredients when it purchased specialty surfactant maker McIntyre Group and currently use one such preservative, Mackaderm GCP, in its eyedrops to treat dry eye. It acts both as an osmoprotectant and demulcent to increase hydration of the eye surface while decreasing salt concentration within tear films – helping prevent any potential eye damage caused by an increase in aqueous humor dilution.
Sustainability
Sustainability refers to practices which aim to lessen human impact on the environment by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, pollutant reduction and creating more eco-friendly business practices.
Preservatives used in food and other products can have a devastating impact on the environment. These chemicals can enter soil and water systems through runoff, leakage and improper waste disposal; once present in the environment they can be hard to eliminate completely resulting in adverse impacts to biodiversity and water quality.
Companies can lower environmental impacts by employing compliance and automation software from SMRTR, such as their Compliance & Automation Software Suite. This technology ensures adherence to environmental standards while improving management of preservatives used. Ultimately, this may lead to less chemical preservation methods and encourage the creation of natural alternatives; furthermore it could increase transparency within food & beverage industries regarding which preservatives are being utilized.
