Survey and health assessment of cosmetic products marketed as “non-preserved”

The report maps cosmetic products marketed as “non-preserved” or “with natural preservatives”. Ingredients with antimicrobial, antiseptic or similar properties were identified.Self-preservation by means of production method, container design, chemical composition e.g. alcohol, humectants and pH was discussed. Some non-preservedproducts contained fragrances in a concentration that hasantibacterial effect. Because of a small standard of referenceit cannot be concluded that non-preserved cosmetic products have lower or higher sensitizing potential compared to preserved cosmetics.

Abstract in Danish
Rapporten kortlægger kosmetiske produkter, der markedsføres som ”ikke-konserveret” eller ”naturligt konserveret”. Indholdsstoffer, der virker antimikrobielt, antiseptisk mv. blev identificeret. Selvkonservering vha. produktionsmetode, beholderdesign og blanding af indholdsstoffer, f.eks. alkohol, fugtighedsbevarende stoffer og pH blev diskuteret. Nogle ikke-konserverede produkter indeholdt parfumestoffer i en koncentration, der virker antibakteriel. Sammenligningsgrundlaget var for lille til at konkludere, om ”ikke konserverede” kosmetiske produkter virker mere eller mindre allergifremkaldende end konserveret kosmetik.