Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
36 ingredients in Preservative — page 1 of 2
An aromatic acid used as a cosmetic preservative and pH adjuster, effective in acidic formulas; the free-acid form of sodium benzoate.
A dual-function aromatic alcohol used as a preservative (max 1% EU) and fragrance solvent; also a listed fragrance allergen requiring label disclosure.
A hydroxamic acid derivative of caprylic acid used as a preservative and chelating agent. Considered a mild, natural-derived preservative alternative to parabens.
A hydroxamic acid preservative and chelator derived from caprylic acid that inhibits microbial growth by depriving bacteria and fungi of essential metal ions; popular in 'clean' and 'preservative-free' labelled formulas.
A multifunctional humectant that supports preservation.
A quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant (CTAB) used as a cosmetic preservative (EU max 0.1%) with additional hair and skin conditioning properties.
A biguanide antimicrobial agent widely used in medical and cosmetic applications. Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Used in Bijin Nuka's rice moisture cream as a preservative.
A chlorinated glycerol ether used as a broad-spectrum preservative at ≤0.3%, effective against bacteria and fungi with a low irritation profile.
Extract from grapefruit seeds; used as a natural preservative booster and antimicrobial agent in Korean and clean-beauty formulas.
An imidazole-class antifungal preservative used in cosmetics. Inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis. Particularly useful for preserving vitamin A (retinal/retinol) products against mold.
A formaldehyde-releasing preservative that slowly releases trace formaldehyde to provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection in cosmetic formulations.
A 10-carbon 1,2-diol with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, often combined with caprylyl glycol or phenoxyethanol in paraben-free preservation. Provides mild skin-conditioning benefits.
A naturally derived cyclic lactone preservative approved for both conventional and Ecocert/COSMOS-certified natural cosmetics, effective against bacteria and fungi.
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
A short-chain paraben preservative fully permitted in the EU and US at up to 0.4%; among the most thoroughly tested preservatives in cosmetics.
An iodine-containing organic preservative with strong antifungal and antibacterial activity. Used as a co-preservative at very low concentrations. Subject to strict concentration limits under EU Cosmetics Regulation.
A phenol-derived antimicrobial and quasi-drug active ingredient in Japan for acne treatment. Effective against Cutibacterium acnes. Used in Melano CC Essence for its antibacterial benefit alongside vitamin C brightening actives.
A quaternary ammonium chloride salt used at low concentrations in cosmetics as an antimicrobial preservative and antistatic agent, also employed as an antiseptic in pharmaceutical oral care products.
A natural preservative alternative produced by fermenting radish root with Leuconostoc bacteria, yielding antimicrobial peptides that protect formulas while conditioning skin.
A naturally derived keto-acid used in cosmetics primarily as a mild preservative and pH stabilizer, with additional skin-conditioning properties.
A short-chain paraben preservative permitted up to 0.4% in cosmetics under EU and US regulations; effective against bacteria and fungi.
A synthetic phenol derivative (4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) used as a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative with antibacterial and antifungal activity; permitted up to 0.1% in the EU.
An aromatic carboxylic acid preservative booster used at 0.05–0.3% in acidic formulas to inhibit bacteria and moulds and reinforce primary preservative systems.
A widely used broad-spectrum preservative.