Preservative

Role details

*What are preservatives used for?*

Preservatives are added to products to prevent spoilage by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes. They are usually added to products containing water, as water is necessary for micro-organisms such as bacteria to thrive.

Preservatives are necessary in products that are used repeatedly over a period of time, since each time the product is used there is potential to inadvertently introduce micro-organisms into the product.

*How do preservatives work?*

The type of preservatives used in household cleaning and personal care products are anti-microbial preservatives. These preservatives work by either killing micro-organisms, or by inhibiting their cellular function.

Role Ingredients

Ingredient	Health & Environment	Used in	EWG Rating
Benzyl Alcohol	Benzyl Alcohol is a synthetic chemical (no plant-based preservatives that meet our efficacy standards currently exist) that is considered to be a low hazard for health although a small percentage of people can be sensitive to this ingredient on their skin. It is biodegradable and suitable for greywater and septic tanks making it a low hazard for our environment.	Nourishing manuka lip balm, toilet cleaner, kids bubble bath, kids 3-in-1 conditioning shampoo & body wash, Purifying cleanser, Gentle cleanser, Rejuvenating body moisturiser, Ultra sensitive shampoo, Volumising shampoo, Ultra sensitive conditioner, Baby body wash, kids foaming hand wash, Dandruff control conditioner, dish liquid, Volumising conditioner, bathroom & shower cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, Sleepytime bath, multi-purpose concentrate, Light moisturiser, Nourishing hand cream, Hydrating moisturiser, Dandruff control shampoo, Dry, damaged & colour shampoo, Normal conditioner, Foaming hand wash, Baby shampoo, Baby moisturiser, Bubble bath, multi-purpose kitchen cleaner, fabric softener, Replenishing night cream, Hand wash, Body wash, Dry, damaged & colour conditioner, Normal shampoo	5 - 5
Dehydroacetic Acid	A synthetic chemical (no plant based preservatives that meet our efficacy standards currently exist) that is considered to be a low hazard for health. It is also biodegradable and suitable for greywater and septic tanks making it a low hazard for our environment.	Nourishing manuka lip balm, toilet cleaner, kids bubble bath, kids 3-in-1 conditioning shampoo & body wash, Purifying cleanser, Gentle cleanser, Rejuvenating body moisturiser, Ultra sensitive shampoo, Volumising shampoo, Ultra sensitive conditioner, Baby body wash, kids foaming hand wash, Dandruff control conditioner, dish liquid, Volumising conditioner, bathroom & shower cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, Sleepytime bath, multi-purpose concentrate, Light moisturiser, Nourishing hand cream, Hydrating moisturiser, Dandruff control shampoo, Dry, damaged & colour shampoo, Normal conditioner, Foaming hand wash, Baby shampoo, Baby moisturiser, Bubble bath, multi-purpose kitchen cleaner, fabric softener, Replenishing night cream, Hand wash, Body wash, Dry, damaged & colour conditioner, Normal shampoo	1 - 1
Potassium Sorbate	Considered a low hazard to health, although we take care when using this ingredient.	Nourishing manuka lip balm, Complete care mouthwash	3 - 3
Phenoxyethanol	Phenoxyethanol can be an occupational hazard for those working with it in large quantities. We use it in low doses as an preservative. Greywater and Septic tank safe.	liquid scourer, Extra moisturising body lotion, Extra moisturising hand cream, Extra Clean laundry liquid, wool & delicates, laundry liquid	4 - 4
Caprylyl Glycol	Low hazard for health. Biodegradable and suitable for greywater and septic tanks.	liquid scourer, Extra moisturising body lotion, Extra moisturising hand cream, Extra Clean laundry liquid, wool & delicates, laundry liquid	0 - 0
Tetrasodium Etidronate		Pink grapefruit & mint soap, Goat's milk soap, Vanilla soap, Manuka honey & kelp soap, Baby soap, Lemongrass soap, Coconut soap	2 - 2
Sodium Benzoate		Complete care mouthwash, Glass cleaner	3 - 3
Limonene	Some people may be allergic to the oxidation products of Limonene. It is plant derived, biodegradable and suitable for greywater and septic tanks when used in small concentrations.	Extra Clean laundry powder, top & front loader, bathroom & shower cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, multi-purpose concentrate, Hand wash, Body wash	6 - 6
Sodium Salicylate		Glass cleaner	1 - 1
Tetrasodium EDTA	Low Hazard for Health, Slow to Biodegrade.	Pink grapefruit & mint soap, Goat's milk soap, Vanilla soap, Manuka honey & kelp soap, Baby soap, Lemongrass soap, Coconut soap	2 - 2

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