Preservatives in Skincare Explained: Why They Matter, How They Work, and Product Safety
In this episode of the Facially Conscious Podcast, we take a closer look at preservatives in skincare and cosmetic products—what they are, why they’re used, and how they impact product safety and skin health.
Do cosmetics really need preservatives? What happens when a product isn’t preserved properly, or when preservatives lose their effectiveness over time? In this conversation, we explore the role preservatives play in preventing contamination, how they support product stability, and why shelf life and period-after-opening (PAO) guidelines matter more than many people realize.
This episode is designed to clear up common misunderstandings around skincare preservatives, especially in the context of clean beauty concerns and ingredient skepticism. Rather than framing preservatives as something to fear, we focus on helping listeners understand how they function, what risks they help prevent, and how to use skincare products more safely and thoughtfully.
Whether you’re a skincare professional, ingredient-conscious consumer, or someone navigating confusing product claims, this discussion offers practical, evidence-informed insight into how preservatives protect both products and the people using them.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why preservatives are used in skincare and cosmetics
What can happen when products are not preserved properly
How preservatives help prevent bacteria, mold, and contamination
What expiration dates and PAO symbols actually mean
How long skincare products typically stay safe after opening
Common misconceptions about preservatives in modern formulations
Have a question? Send us an email at info@faciallyconscious.com
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Trina Renea - Medically-trained master esthetician and celebrities’ secret weapon
Linktree | Trina Renea, @trinareneaskincare, trinarenea.com and Substack
Julie Falls- Our educated consumer is here to represent you! @juliefdotcom
Dr. Vicki Rapaport -Board Certified dermatologist with practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City @rapaportdermatology and https://www.rapdermbh.com/
Rebecca Gadberry - Our resident skincare scientist and regulatory and marketing expert. @rgadberry_skincareingredients
Credits
Produced and Recorded by The Field Audio
