Here’s the Real Story Behind “Safe” + “Natural”

If you’ve ever picked up a jar of face cream and wondered whether preservatives belong in natural skincare, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel torn: they want plant-based formulas without unnecessary extras, but they also want something that stays fresh, stable, and safe on their bathroom shelf. Preservatives have gotten a bad rap lately and I’m here to tell you that most preservatives are safe AND necessary to keep your product and your skin safe! And here’s the thing most people don’t realize until they start paying attention to ingredients: if a product contains water — any water at all — it needs a preservative. Not because companies are trying to “add more stuff,” but because water is basically an invitation for microbes to move in.

Think about your skincare like food for your skin. A formula made with botanicals, hydrosols, aloe, teas, or even tiny amounts of moisture is absolutely a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast and mold. The moment water shows up in the formula these microbes see an opportunity. And they don’t wait. Spoilage can start within 24 hours and long before you see (or smell) anything off. That’s where a good preservative — especially a naturally derived one — becomes not just helpful, but essential.

When preservatives are done right, they’re not the “bad guy.” They’re what keeps your cream creamy, your toner clean, and your skin safe.

The Truth About Water in Skincare: It’s Wonderful, But It’s Vulnerable

Most of the products you love — lotions, toners, gel cleansers, creams — include water because it hydrates, carries nutrients, and delivers that silky, feather-light texture so many of us love. But water also creates the perfect environment for microbes to grow. And because microbes aren’t visible until they’ve already multiplied, you need something in the formula that keeps them in check from day one.

That’s why every responsible natural skincare brand uses a preservative in water-containing formulas. Not a harsh one. Not old-school formaldehyde. But something proven to keep products stable so your skin gets the benefits you paid for — without the risks you didn’t sign up for.

Why “Preservative-Free” Isn’t the Gold Standard People Think It Is

There’s a myth that natural skincare should contain no preservatives at all. It sounds lovely, but it doesn’t hold up in the real world. A lotion that sits on your bathroom counter, exposed to warm air, fingertips, and moisture needs protection. Otherwise it becomes less effective, grows unstable, or worse — causes irritation or infection.

Preservatives aren’t a mark of low-quality. They’re a sign that the formulator understands how your skin works, how ingredients behave over time, and how to keep everything safe without compromising your values.

So What Is a Naturally Derived Preservative?

Let’s talk about one of the safest, most respected options in natural skincare: the system known as Dehydroacetic Acid + Benzyl Alcohol (sold commercially as Geogard 221).

It’s approved by ECOCERT and COSMOS — two of the most trusted global standards for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients. It’s gentle, effective, and used at very low levels.

Here’s the simple explanation:

Dehydroacetic Acid is a nature-identical compound.
Benzyl Alcohol occurs naturally in plants like jasmine, ylang-ylang, and certain fruits.
Together, they work as a broad-spectrum preservative that protects against bacteria, yeast, and mold — without compromising the “natural” integrity of the product.

But here’s what really matters: this system is designed to keep your skin safe. It protects the formula so each pump, swipe, or scoop delivers the ingredients your skin wants — not the microbes it doesn’t.

What About Oil-Based Products? They Need Protection Too (Just a Different Kind)

Oil-based products (think facial oils, balms, butters, cleansing oils) don’t contain water, so they’re not at risk for microbial growth in the same way. But they are sensitive to oxidation. If you’ve ever smelled an oil that’s gone “off,” you know exactly what I mean.

Even the freshest plant oils eventually break down when exposed to air, heat, or light. That’s natural — but we want to slow that process so your products stay potent longer.

That’s where antioxidants come in.

Antioxidants aren’t preservatives. They don’t keep microbes out. But they do protect oils from going rancid and help support the shelf life of the product. We often use things like mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) or botanical CO₂ extracts to extend freshness while staying firmly rooted in plant-based formulation.

So whether it’s a cream, serum, balm, or oil, every product has a protection strategy — something tailored to the type of ingredients inside.

Why Your Skin Deserves This Kind of Protection

At the end of the day, you’re not just buying a product. You’re buying a promise: that what you’re putting on your skin is safe, clean, and effective.

A well-chosen preservative system ensures:

Your cream stays smooth and stable.
Your toner won’t grow microbes you can’t see.
Your skin gets the benefits of the botanicals — not the byproducts of spoilage.
Your product lasts long enough for you to enjoy it (not toss it out early).

And honestly? That’s what natural skincare should be about. Not fear. Not extreme purity standards that make no scientific sense. But trustworthy formulas that respect the skin and the plants we love.

How We Approach Preservation at Simple Body

We take a “less is more” approach — always. That means choosing gentle, naturally aligned preservatives for anything with water, and adding antioxidants to our oil-based formulas so they stay fresh without unnecessary additives.

Every ingredient in every formula has a purpose. No fillers. No shortcuts. No trendy claims that don’t hold up in reality. Just thoughtful formulation backed by both science and common sense. So, the next time you hear “preservative free” do your research and check–is it really preservative free? Does it have water based ingredients that require a preservative? If so, you’ll know to avoid it and search for the thoughtful formulas that are carefully preserved!

You shouldn’t have to choose between natural and safe. You can — and should — have both.

xoxo
Jewels