Water based cosmetics intended for long-term use must contain preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Among the 54 such preservatives approved by the EU Cosmetics Regulation are parabens (e.g. methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben). These artificial preservatives can trigger skin irritations or allergies and can disrupt sensitive metabolic processes. What’s more, animal experiments have shown that parabens even affect the endocrine system, and a study by the US Department of Health also found that parabens accumulate in the body. The long-term health effects in the human organism have still not been researched.

Preservation of natural cosmetic creams 

The few preservatives approved for natural cosmetics such as potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid or sorbic acid are more likely to irritate sensitive skin and are suspected of disrupting metabolism. These preservatives are also known as additives in the food sector.
Fresh cosmetic creams based on natural ingredients are usually preserved with alcohol. While it does not cause allergies, alcohol, even in moderate concentrations, has a drying effect and can irritate sensitive skin.

Natural preservatives with very good skin tolerance

Fresh skin care products without preservatives are only possible if they are used immediately. In order to make our myrto fresh cosmetic face creams, lotions and serums last, we use natural preservatives, which have the added benefit of ensuring skin tolerance..

• Organic acids

  We use a combination of organic anisic and levulinic acids. Anisic acid is obtained from star anise, levulinic acid from the fructose of GM-free corn starch. These two organic acids strengthen the skin’s natural acid mantel, improve moisture retention and are proven to be extremely skin-friendly – even for sensitive, problematic and allergy-prone skin. In addition, the combination of these two organic acids is effective against fungi, bacteria and yeast.

  Because of these multifunctional properties – skin care plus an antimicrobial effect – organic acids are not considered preservatives according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation. All myrto fresh cosmetics creams, serums or fluids can therefore be described as "free from preservatives". This makes it possible to differentiate between ingredients that are used solely for preservation.

• Oxidation-stabilizing plant oils

  We use a high proportion of oxidation-stabilizing oils such as shea butter and jojoba oil.  Not only do these oils care for the skin, they counteract wrinkles, can alleviate the symptoms of skin diseases and strengthen the protective skin barrier. In addition, these lipids extend the shelf life of other cold-pressed vegetable oils.

• Antioxidants

  One of the main causes of premature aging is oxidative stress, which is triggered by free radicals. Antioxidants are natural phytochemicals that serve as a defense in plants. In humans, they have the ability to prevent or neutralize cell damage caused by oxidation. Antioxidants are therefore an essential component of any effective anti-aging cosmetic. Powerful antioxidants include, for example, the skin-firming vitamins A, C and E. The vitamin E complex (alpha-tocopherol to delta-tocopherol) not only stimulates collagen synthesis in our skin, but also prevents the premature oxidation of oils and lipids.

• Lactic acid

  100% vegan lactic acid is contained in all myrto products that contain water. As one of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), lactic acid ensures that our horny skin cells bind efficiently and store water. It also stabilizes the delicate balance of skin flora, regulates the skin’s pH value and loosens cornifications in the epidermis. In addition, lactic acid inhibits the growth of bacteria. 

How long can your cosmetics last?

Most commercially available cosmetic products have the symbol of an opened jar with a number in it. According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, this means that your cosmetics can be kept for at least 30 months if unopened. After opening, you should use the product, for example, within 9 months, if this number is in the open jar symbol.

In contrast, all myrto products are so-called fresh cosmetics. This means that our natural cosmetics have a shorter shelf life, but are also much more skin-friendly. Therefore, in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation, you will find a printed best-before date (BBD) with the month and year on all myrto products. This indicates the shelf life of the fresh cosmetics not only when closed, but also when opened.
By the way, you can often continue to use cosmetics beyond the best-before date as long as you don’t notice any noticeable changes.

How should you store your cosmetics?

So that your myrto organic fresh cosmetics stay fresh as long as possible, you should store products with a creamy texture in a cool and dark place. It does not have to be in the refrigerator – at normal room temperature and humidity is sufficient. In general, you should only open the containers of your cosmetics as briefly as necessary so that the product does not come into unnecessary contact with the air and impurities. Make sure to keep your products out of direct sunlight – even if, as with our face oils, they are already packaged in amber glass bottles, protected from light. In this way your organic cosmetics will stay fresh until the very last drop, and bring your skin all the benefits that it deserves.