Preservatives in Skincare: Necessity or Filler?

In the clean beauty conversation, preservatives are often misunderstood. Are they a harmful filler, or an essential safeguard for your skincare? The truth is, not all preservatives are created equal. And when chosen with care, they can protect both your product and your skin.

Why They Matter (and When They're Needed)

If your product contains water (like a cream, serum, gel, or mist) it needs a preservative. No exceptions. Water-based formulas are highly prone to microbial growth, which can lead to contamination and serious skin irritation if left unchecked. Even oil-based products that might get exposed to water (like scrubs used in the shower) benefit from preservation.

On the other hand, products that are anhydrous (meaning they contain no water, like facial oils or balms) usually don’t require traditional preservatives, though they often include antioxidants to keep oils from going rancid ^[1].

Bottom line: preservatives help ensure your skincare stays safe, stable, and effective from the first pump to the last.

Clean & Natural Preservatives to Look For

Fortunately, preservatives have come a long way. Today, many clean, skin-friendly options offer broad-spectrum protection without compromising your values. Here are a few to keep an eye out for:

• Sodium Benzoate: naturally derived from fruits like apples and cranberries; effective against fungi and bacteria.
• Potassium Sorbate: a gentle, food-grade preservative sourced from mountain ash berries.
• Gluconolactone + Sodium Benzoate: a combo approved by ECOCERT for its ability to protect without irritation.
• Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate: a natural ferment with antimicrobial activity and added skin-conditioning benefits ^[2].

The Best Kind: Multi-Taskers

At Bēm, we love a multitasking ingredient, and some natural preservatives do more than just protect. These options also support skin health in ways that go beyond basic safety:

• Willow Bark Extract: a natural source of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates while preventing microbial growth ^[2]
• Rosemary Extract: antioxidant-rich and calming, this herbal extract extends shelf life and soothes skin ^[3].
• Hinokitiol: a botanical compound with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits ^[4].
• Caprylyl Glycol: a dual-action ingredient that boosts the effectiveness of preservatives and hydrates the skin with humectant properties ^[5].
• Gluconolactone: a naturally derived polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that offers gentle exfoliation, antioxidant benefits, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection, making it a powerhouse multitasker ^[6].

“Preservative-Free”? Proceed With Caution.

Preservative-free products may sound appealing, but they come with risks—especially if they’re water-based. Unless they’re in single-use packaging or made-to-order, be wary of contamination. Look for short shelf life, strict storage instructions, or airless packaging as signs the brand has done their due diligence ^[2].

Bottom Line

Preservatives aren’t the enemy—they’re protection. When formulated thoughtfully, they help keep your skincare safe, effective, and shelf-stable. And when they’re clean, natural, and multifunctional? Even better.

Disclaimer

This post is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not meant to treat, diagnose, or offer medical advice. Everyone's skin is unique, so we always recommend talking to a trusted dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting a new skincare routine—especially if you have specific skin concerns. All ingredient insights shared are based on publicly available research and clinical studies, which are cited above.

References