Preservatives, WHAT ARE THEY?
A preservative is "a substance exclusively or primarily intended to prevent the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product".
Preservatives used in cosmetic products contain water because microbes need water to live. For a balm or an oil, preservatives are not necessary. As you know, cooking oil does not spoil.
Without preservatives, cosmetics will become a breeding ground for microbes and promote the growth of very bad bacteria and fungi. Contaminated products are extremely dangerous for children who have a weaker immune system.
Preservatives kill microbes, but unfortunately, some preservatives also have a controversial effect on our health. Parabens, phenoxyethanol, MIT...
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Preservatives in organic products.
Of course, buying certified organic cosmetic products can help you avoid the most controversial preservatives for your children. But don't be fooled, there are still risky substances!
Among the 59 preservatives authorized in Europe for all categories of cosmetics, only 5 are authorized in certified organic products.
1. Salicylic acid (INCI: salicylic acid)
2. Sodium benzoate (INCI: sodium benzoate)
3 Potassium sorbate (INCI: potassium sorbate)
4. Benzyl alcohol (INCI: benzyl alcohol)
5. Dehydroacetic acid (INCI: dehydroacetic acid).
And unfortunately, they are all more or less controversial for our children, we explain:
Salicylic acid
Its use is prohibited in children under 3 years old in the European Union. Moreover, it is not ethical, in our opinion, to use it in a 4-year-old child either, the age difference being small, we do not consider the hindsight sufficient.
Salicylic acid and its cousin Benzyl salicylate are suspected of being endocrine disruptors (1). And this year (2021), the European health authority is evaluating the safety of this family of molecules in cosmetic use. The result will be given in 2022 (the article).
Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate
We are talking about these 2 preservatives because they are used together in cosmetic formulations. Potassium sorbate is safe for children. But it doesn't work alone, it must always be mixed with sodium benzoate. The maximum dosage for use is regulated: 2.5% for rinse-off products, 1.7% for oral hygiene products, 0.5% for leave-on products.
The problem is that sodium benzoate is also used in sodas, medicines, prepared meals, and cosmetics. It's really everywhere.
The limit is therefore very easily exceeded for a child by combining all these products.
Sodium benzoate overdose is dangerous for children because this substance is neurotoxic and suspected of being linked to hyperactivity in children (2).
Benzyl alcohol and dehydroacetic acid
Another combination often seen in organic cosmetics, and especially DIY products, under the name 'COSGARD'. Benzyl alcohol is a powerful allergen, among the 26 known allergens in Europe.
Children's skin is fragile and thin.
Allergens easily penetrate the skin barrier and lead to undesirable immune responses.
As for dehydroacetic acid, it is irritating to the nose, mouth, eyes, and respiratory tract, which is why its use in aerosols or sprays is prohibited.
Should all preservatives be avoided?
For us, the answer is YES. This is why we have chosen not to add any to our products. However, formulating products without preservatives necessarily comes at a cost. But our children's health is priceless, isn't it?
We will explain how we managed to make 100% preservative-free products in future articles, stay tuned ;).
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave us a message on our website or contact us by email at coucou@lilikiwi.fr. We will be happy to answer you quickly!
Sources:
(1) Natsch et al. A critical assessment of the estrogenic potency of benzyl salicylate. Toxicology reports. Volume 8, 2021. Page 1002-1007.
(2) McCann et al. 2007. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9 year old children in the community: a randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The lancet volume 370, issue 998, 3-9. Page 1560-1567.
