Preservatives
The Importance of Preservatives and why we use them.
Preservatives are – as the name suggests – added to a product to help preserve it over time. This is done to make the product safe to use by preventing it from going bad.
Because hair products have water in them, and have a pH level and temperature which bacteria love, they are potential breeding ground for bacteria.
Because of this, using a molten or bad product can cause possible irritation or infection to the scalp and skin. So, preservatives are very important for consumer safety.
Preservative-free cosmetic products are NOT recommended.
But even though preservatives are necessary, not all of them are safe. That is why we use natural preservatives.
What are Natural Preservatives?
Natural preservatives are ingredients that prevent products from prematurely spoiling and are – unlike synthetic preservatives – found in nature.
Therefore, we use natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of our products, reduce spoilage and retain smell and effectiveness. After all, our products need to survive the shipping process to our customers.
There are two types of natural preservatives:
At She’sFearless we have very strict rules when it comes to preservatives and product safety.
All of our handmade products have to go through what is called ph testing. This test is to prove that no bacteria can grow in the product, and it is very important in making sure that the product is safe for use.
Why we use safe preservatives?
Synthetic preservatives, most commonly seen as parabens, are bad for humans and they are bad for the environment.
In 2004, a British study found traces of five kinds of parabens in the breast tissue of 19 out of 20 women. This means that the study proved that parabens are able to penetrate the skin and remain within the body.
Parabens disrupt the hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. Too much oestrogen can trigger an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumours, which is why parabens have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
But parabens aren’t just bad for humans, they impact the environment too. A study of marine wildlife shows that parabens can be found in the bodies of animals such as dolphins, whales, seals, polar bears and otters. The researchers behind the study believe that these parabens come from products we have used, washed into the sewage and released into the environment.
Because of these reasons, we recommend to always avoid parabens in our products .
Some people think that natural preservatives are not as effective as parabens, but that is simply not true. There are a lot of different synthetic-free preservatives on the market that are just as effective. So, we don’t see the need to use preservatives that are dangerous to your health and the environment just because they are cheaper than the good stuff.
Our Safe & Natural Preservatives used in She’sFearless Products :
.: Raddish Root aka Leucidal Liquid is a natural preservative derived from the ferment of radish root. Radishes are fermented with a lactic acid bacteria called Leuconostoc kimchii. Leucidal liquid (radish root) is designed to provide gentle protection against bacteria, mold and yeasts. This safe, natural formula is approved by ECO-CERT for use with certified organic products.
.: Leucidal Liquid Complete is a blend of Leucidal Liquid and AMTicide Coconut to offer a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, protection from bacteria, yeast and mold growth in products. This product is made from the leuconastoc kimchi bacteria and fermented coconut fruit.
.: Grapefruit Seed Extract - Grapefruit Seed Extract is a natural antioxidant derived from the seeds and pulp of the grapefruit. It has both anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties to help extend the shelf life of She’sFearless hair products.
.: Rosemary Leaf Extract - Besides from stimulating hair roots and follicles and its anti-inflammatory properties, the rosmarinic acid in our Rosemary Leaf Extract also prevents the chemical reaction that causes a product to oxidize
.: Optiphen - Is a safe Broad Spectrum Paraben and Formaldehyde-free preservative, Optiphen protects against mold and bacteria in lotion and scrub. It's a must-have preservative that supports a variety of natural homemade care products.
