1, 2-Hexanediol

A preservative belonging to a class of agents known as higher molecular glycols.

borate

Group of compounds used in cosmetics in small quantities primarily as pH adjusters (they have a pH...

borax

Also known as sodium borate decahydrate, borax is a mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and...

boric acid

May have skin soothing and restoring benefits…

bronopol

Technical name 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (Source:...

butylparaben

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

benzoic acid

Used as a preservative in food and skin care products; it is considered less likely to cause sensitivity than some other forms of cosmetic preservatives.

benzothonium chloride

Compound used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered less sensitizing…

benzyl alcohol

An organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits (apricots, cranberries) and teas.

caprylyl glycol

Skin and hair conditioning agent that may be plant-derived or synthetic. Often used as part of a...

DMDM hydantoin

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative...

ethylhexylglycerin

A synthetic skin-conditioning agent used as a preservative or as a carrier or suspending agent for...

ethylparaben

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

chlorophene

Used as a preservative in cosmetics.

chloroxylenol

Chemical compound used as a preservative and cleansing agent due to its action...

chlorphenesin

Type of alcohol used as a preservative in cosmetics...

dehydroacetic acid

A synthetic preservative uses in amounts of 0.6% or less. Sometimes its salt form (known as sodium...

diazolidinyl urea

Water-soluble preservative.

formaldehyde-releasing preservative

Common type of preservative found in cosmetics...

Germaben II

Trade name for diazolidinyl urea.

isobutylparaben

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

Kathon CG

hoelen

A mushroom that grows underground on the roots of pines and other trees around the world. It has...

imidazolidinyl urea

Considered a weaker preservative than its "cousin" diazolidinyl urea because it is beneficial against...

iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

A synthetic preservative that is typically used in concentrations of 0.1% or less. It is very...

phenoxyethanol

Common cosmetic preservative that is considered one of the less sensitising ones to use in...

phenoxyisopropanol

Alcohol used as a solvent and preservative. 

phytosphingosine

Long-chain, complex fatty alcohol that functions as a water-binding agent and also has preservative...

methylchloroisothiazolinone

In combination with methylisothiazolinone, it goes by the trade name Kathon CG (among others)....

methyldibromo glutaronitrile

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative...

methylisothiazolinone

Preservative that’s generally recommended for use only in rinse-off products such as cleansers or...

methylparaben

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

o-cymen-5-ol

Preservative used in cosmetics.

parabens

Group of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben,...

polyaminopropyl biguanide

Synthetic polymer that functions as a preservative.

potassium sorbate

Used as a preservative, almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives.

preservatives

Substances used in cosmetics to help defend against contamination of products...

propylparaben

Parabens are a group of controversial preservatives that include butylparaben...

quaternium-15

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in cosmetics. It can be a skin sensitizer, as can all...

sodium dehydroacetate

An organic salt used in low amounts as a preservative to prevent formulary spoilage.

sodium hexametaphosphate

Salt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,...

sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Amino acid derivative used as a skin-softening agent; can also function as a preservative.

sodium lactobionate

White, crystalline powder used to synthesize other chemicals. May function as a preservative in...

sodium metabisulfite

Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in...

sodium sulfite

Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic...

sorbic acid

A preservative naturally derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically. Used in many products, including several foods, cosmetics and even in contact lens solutions.

styrax benzoin

sodium benzoate

Salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.

sodium citrate

Used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and preservative properties.

zinc sulfate

Chemical compound resulting from the interaction of zinc with sulfuric acid. There is little...

zinc gluconate

Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid produced from glucose that functions as a preservative.

leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate is a preservative created by fermenting Raphanus sativus (radish) roots.

sodium levulinate

Sodium levulinate is the salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin.