INGREDIENTEN

Why NATULIQUE uses natural preservatives

Preservatives? Aren't preservatives the same as parabens? And isn't NATULIQUE a natural brand?

Yes, that's Natulique, yet we always want to make sure our products are safe to use for you and your customers.

We do this by using natural preservatives.

The importance of preservatives

Preservatives are – as the name suggests – added to a product to help preserve it over time (make it last longer). This is done to make the product safe for use by preventing it from spoiling.

Because hair products contain water, and have a pH and temperature that bacteria love, they are a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Such a moldy or bad product can lead to possible irritation or infection. Preservatives are therefore very important for the safety of the user.

But even though preservatives are necessary, not all of them are safe. That's why we use natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of our products, prevent spoilage and preserve the fragrance and effectiveness. After all, our products have to survive the shipping process from Denmark, and they can sit in a store or warehouse for a while before someone buys them.

What Are Natural Preservatives?

Natural preservatives are ingredients that prevent products from spoiling prematurely and, unlike synthetic preservatives, occur in nature.

There are two types of natural preservatives:

Antimicrobial preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
Antioxidants prevent oxidation. Antioxidants should always be combined with an antimicrobial preservative because antioxidants are not preservatives in themselves, so they do not prevent the growth of bacteria.

Regulations

In the EU we have very strict rules when it comes to preservatives and product safety.

All cosmetic products must undergo a so-called microbiological test. This test is intended to show that no bacteria can grow in the product and is very important to ensure that the product is safe for use.

Why of course?

Synthetic preservatives, commonly referred to as parabens, are bad for humans and bad for the environment.

In 2004, a British study found traces of five types of parabens in the breast tissue of 19 out of 20 women. This means that the study proved that parabens are able to penetrate the skin and stay in the body.

Parabens disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen. Too much estrogen can lead to an increase in breast cell division and tumor growth, linking parabens to breast cancer and reproductive problems.

But parabens are not only bad for people, they also affect the environment. A study of marine animals shows that parabens can be found in the bodies of animals such as dolphins, whales, seals, polar bears and otters. The researchers behind the study believe these parabens come from products we used, washed into sewage and released into the environment.

For these reasons, we recommend that you always avoid parabens in your cosmetics.

Some people think that natural preservatives aren't as effective as parabens, but that's just not true. There are many different synthetic-free preservatives on the market that are just as effective. So we don't see the need to use preservatives that are dangerous to your health and the environment just because they are cheaper than the good stuff.

Natural preservatives in NATULIQUE products

It's always a good idea to combine different natural preservatives, so we use many of them in our products:

Potassium Sorbate is a natural white salt and is an antimicrobial natural preservative. It is so natural that it is also used in food! For hair products it is a good alternative to synthetic parabens.
Sodium benzoate is also a salt and it occurs naturally in apples, cranberries, plums and cinnamon. This preservative should be combined with other preservatives, and works great with potassium sorbate to prevent yeast and fungi! Like its partner, this preservative is so natural that it is also used in food.
Sodium Gluconate – also a salt – prevents the growth of microbes in our products to keep them safe for our hairdressers and their clients. It also prevents discoloration of the product over time and helps our products lather better.
Rosemary leaf extract In addition to stimulating the hair follicles and its anti-inflammatory properties, it also allows chemical reactions to oxidize the product.
Grapefruit Seed Extract is a natural antioxidant derived from the seeds and pulp of the grapefruit. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties to extend the shelf life of NATULIQUE hair color.