Ingredient Profile: Preservative Eco

You’ll see Preservative Eco listed on a bunch of our product labels. And if you’re ingredient-savvy (or just nosy in a good way), you’ve probably wondered: What even IS that? Is it natural? Is it safe? Is it just another greenwashed name for a harsh chemical?

Let’s break it all down for you – minus the bull.

The Basics: What is Preservative Eco?

Preservative Eco (also known by its INCI name: Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerine, Sorbic Acid) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial blend used to preserve water-based natural skincare. That means it helps stop nasties like bacteria, yeast, and mould from growing in your lotion, toner or cream. Essential when you’re using real, fresh, natural ingredients – and not pumping your products full of synthetic sludge.

It’s approved by ECOCERT and COSMOS, two of the toughest natural and organic certification bodies on the planet. That means it meets strict standards for safety and sustainability.

The Origin Story – What Each Ingredient Is and Where It Comes From

Let’s meet the four players that make up this power-preservative:

1. Benzyl Alcohol

• Origin: Naturally occurring in many fruits (especially apricots) and essential oils (like jasmine and ylang-ylang). Ours is nature-identical – meaning lab-made to match the exact chemical found in nature.

• Job: Acts as a solvent and a bacteriostatic agent (slows bacteria growth).

• Fun fact: It’s even used in injectable meds to help keep them sterile.

  
  

2. Salicylic Acid

• Origin: Found in willow bark, wintergreen, and other plants. Again, the version in Preservative Eco is nature-identical.

• Job: Mild antimicrobial and helps with fungal prevention.

• Bonus: It’s also a well-known exfoliant (often used in acne products), but at these low levels, it’s not exfoliating – just protecting.

  
  

3. Glycerin

• Origin: Typically plant-derived (ours is from non-GMO soy or coconut).

• Job: Acts as a humectant (draws in moisture), but here it also helps dissolve and stabilise the other ingredients in the blend.

  
  

4. Sorbic Acid

• Origin: Originally found in the rowan berry, but now produced nature-identically.

• Job: Prevents mould and yeast growth like a boss.

  
  

Is It Safe?

Short answer: Yep.

Longer answer: Preservative Eco has been assessed for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), and is permitted worldwide in both leave-on and rinse-off products. It’s even accepted in baby skincare at recommended usage levels (typically 0.6–1%).

We use it in safe, skin-friendly amounts – enough to protect the product, without irritating the skin.

Can You Use It on Babies?

Generally, yes — but with a caveat.

Preservative Eco is approved for use in baby care products by many natural brands and regulatory bodies when used at low concentrations (as we do). However, just like with any skincare, it’s best to patch test first, especially on delicate newborn skin.

We always recommend checking with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure – especially for bubs under 6 months.

Any Risks or Side Effects?

Preservative Eco is one of the gentlest broad-spectrum preservatives around, but let’s keep it real – any ingredient can cause a reaction in some people.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Benzyl alcohol is on the list of EU-recognised potential allergens, but at low levels, it rarely causes issues.

• Salicylic acid can be a mild irritant in high doses, but the tiny amounts used in Preservative Eco are well below irritating levels.

• Sorbic acid can cause tingling or redness in rare cases, especially on broken or hypersensitive skin.

That said, if your skin is ultra-reactive, do a patch test first. (But let’s be honest – you should be doing that anyway, fam.)

What’s Its Shelf Life?

Preservative Eco can extend the life of your product by 6–12 months, depending on storage and use. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Keep your products cool and dry

• Avoid dipping fingers into jars – use a spoon or spatula

• Seal lids tight after use

We also make in small batches, so you’re getting a fresh product that hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for years.

Why We Chose It

We spent a lot of time nerding out over preservatives. Because in the natural skincare world, choosing the right one is a big damn deal. We needed something that:

• Was safe and gentle

• Was ECOCERT/COSMOS approved

• Wasn’t going to compromise the feel or performance of the product

• Didn’t smell funky or mess with essential oils

• Worked in a wide pH range (Preservative Eco works best from pH 3–8, so it’s flexible!)

Preservative Eco ticked all our boxes. It’s not perfect for every formulation (no preservative is), but for our water-based lotions, creams and toners? It’s the goldilocks solution.

Final Thoughts

Preservative Eco lets us deliver you safe, natural, beautiful skincare that won’t go off after a week. It’s the quiet achiever in our formulas, doing its job behind the scenes so you can enjoy your skincare without mould, microbes or mystery rashes.

Have questions about this preservative or anything else we use? Hit us up — we’re all about that transparency life.