Colorescience: Do Mineral Cosmetics Require Preservatives?

When it comes to skin care products formulated with minerals, as in Colorescience, are preservatives important? Lately I’ve been observing a shift in how my customers approach personal care products: makeup and skin care items are often considered part of a health-conscious strategy aimed at preventing and minimizing skin damage. For this reason, many individuals are wary of cosmetic ingredients, including the preservatives commonly used to keep products fresh, free of spoilage and blended to the right consistency.

I am often asked about products that support the health of skin, and a powdered mineral sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable  has become a popular favorite. Typically more sheer and subtle than its non-mineral counterparts, mineral products give the skin a glowing finish with translucent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that also provide broad-spectrum sun protection.

And yet it’s wrong to assume that mineral products require no preservatives. Many people are looking for a preservative-free product, but this choice not only diminishes the shelf life and therefore the dollar value of the product, but also poses health risks to clients.

What health risks? Well, we all want our skin to be clean – but as skin professionals know, “clean” is a relative term. The human body, and in particular human skin, is a teeming microbial zoo. Experts currently recognize at least 182 species of bacteria as common residents of human skin. Most of these are benign, but if they are introduced to your face cream or makeup, they quickly multiply unless checked by some preservative factor.

There are things you can do to minimize the risk of bacterial growth in your favorite products.

1. If you are concerned about preservatives, opt for mineral products. Because they contain no moisture, they are a less ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and can therefore be formulated with fewer preservatives. Colorescience SPF 20 primers do double duty, helping to smooth skin’s appearance while while protecting against UV radiation.  I’m in love with Colorescience Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer SPF 20, which leaves my skin glowing. Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 mineral powders are available in a range of shades suited to all skin types and are convenient way to re-apply sunscreen.  For extra protection, try new Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 50.
2. Do not store products in the bathroom or any place where high humidity is a factor.  Keep all sunscreen and face creams and makeup in a cool, dry location to maximize shelf life.
3. Take note of expiry dates, and toss your products before they become a science experiment.  Although you should pay attention to all skin care products, pay particular attention to eye products, which can lead to serious infections of the eye. Redness and itching may be an allergic reaction or a sign of infection.

Colorescience reflects my clients’ interest in products that address both beauty and health.  In the future, we might begin to see products that minimize not only the appearance but the causes of redness, scarring and large pores.  This line is in the vanguard of this trend in our values and gives excellent value for your investment.  View all Colorescience here.