Analysing a well-known plant-based preservative

More than ever, consumers are looking for natural, safe, eco-responsible and sustainable cosmetics. This demand for ’clean beauty’ is increasing and cosmetic players must provide appropriate evidence of the authenticity of their natural and organic claims. Consumers have now an easy access to information of all categories of cosmetic ingredients with new apps which rate beauty products. Among all ingredients, preservatives are one of the categories most studied in the quest for natural and efficient innovative solutions. This paper presents an example of a plant-based preservative from wintergreen matching the challenging standards of natural and organic cosmetics.

The global market value for natural cosmetics and personal care is expecting a positive increase to almost 54.5 billion dollars by the year 2027 according to Grand View Research. These data confirm the awareness of consumers on the type of products purchased is growing over time especially after the pandemic crisis. The cosmetic industry as well as many other consumer goods industries have therefore to face up to consumers more and more demanding for transparency regarding the origin and the processing of products. They need to be sure that they are safe and manufactured without impact on the environment. Cosmetic products are consequently scrutinised to hunt down controversial or synthetic ingredients. 

In this context, many cosmetic ingredients, especially preservatives, are often considered by consumers as a source of potential health risk and especially since the publication in 2004 which reported a potential link between parabens and breast cancer. Since then, many preservatives are banned or subjected to constant controversy. However, preservatives are crucial for the safety and the quality of cosmetic products. Some cosmetic players choose to use unofficial preservatives as plant extracts or essential oils with antimicrobial properties but without the guarantee of no toxicological risk.