'Preservative-free' has become a selling point in India. But are preservatives actually harmful? And what happens to products without them? Let's look at this with a balanced perspective.
Why preservatives exist
Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in products — especially those containing water. Without them, many products would become contaminated within days or weeks, potentially causing infections or skin reactions.
A contaminated 'preservative-free' product can be more harmful than a properly preserved one. Microbial growth in products used on skin or consumed can cause serious health issues.
The nuanced reality
- •Some preservatives have documented safety concerns at high concentrations
- •Others have been used safely for decades with no significant issues
- •Concentration matters — the same ingredient can be safe at 0.1% but concerning at 5%
- •Individual sensitivities vary — what irritates one person may be fine for another
What matters for daily-use products
For products you use every day, cumulative exposure matters more than for occasional-use products. This doesn't mean avoiding all preservatives — it means being thoughtful about which ones and at what concentrations.
- •Check if full ingredient concentrations are disclosed
- •Look for products with well-studied preservative systems
- •Consider packaging — airless pumps reduce preservative needs
- •Be skeptical of 'preservative-free' claims for water-based products
The question isn't 'preservatives or no preservatives' — it's whether the product uses appropriate preservation for its formulation and intended use.