Why I Don’t Use Preservatives in My Handmade Products—And What That Means for You

pristine blends
Jun 9
3 min read

Let’s face it—when most people shop for skincare, they’re thinking about scent, feel, or price. Rarely do we stop to ask: What’s actually in this? And more importantly—why? One of the most common ingredients hiding in your everyday lotions, creams, scrubs, and cleansers is preservatives.

At Pristine Blends, I’ve chosen to leave them out entirely. Everybody butter, foot lotion, scrub, and mist I make is crafted by hand in small batches, with zero preservatives. That’s not a gimmick—it’s a choice rooted in health, safety, and respect for your skin. Let me explain why.

The Problem with Preservatives

Preservatives are chemical agents added to products to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast—especially in water-based formulations. And while they do serve a purpose, that purpose isn’t always in your best interest.

1. They Can Irritate the Skin

Many preservatives—even ones labeled “safe”—can cause reactions. Parabens, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) are commonly used preservatives that can trigger redness, itching, inflammation, and allergic responses—especially in people with dry or sensitive skin.

These ingredients might protect the product—but they can stress your skin’s natural barrier and leave it vulnerable to chronic issues like dermatitis.

2. Some Carry Serious Health Concerns

Here’s where it gets uncomfortable:

Parabens have been found in breast tissue and are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic hormones and potentially interfere with your body’s natural
balance.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (yes, actual formaldehyde in small doses) are recognized carcinogens in some countries and still pop up in personal care under names like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or quaternium-15.
Even so-called “natural” preservatives like benzyl alcohol can cause sensitivity with repeated exposure.

Long story short: preservatives often serve the manufacturer more than the consumer.

Why My Products Don’t Need Preservatives

Preservatives are primarily needed in water-based products—like lotions, creams, shampoos, and liquid cleansers—because water is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. But here’s the thing: my products are almost entirely anhydrous, meaning they contain no water.

By formulating with rich butters, natural oils, and botanical extracts, I remove the very condition that allows microbial growth to begin with. And without water, there’s no need for chemical preservatives.

Here's How I Keep Things Safe—Naturally:

Small Batches: I make my products in limited quantities, so they stay fresh and aren’t sitting around for months before reaching you.
Clean Practices: Every tool, container, and surface is sanitized before I start a new batch.
Proper Packaging: Air-tight jars and bottles keep products from being exposed unnecessarily.
Clear Instructions: I encourage customers to use clean, dry hands (or a scoop) and to avoid introducing water into the container.
Usage Guidelines: For best results, I recommend using most products within 6–9 months and storing them in cool, dry environments away from direct sunlight or heat.

Natural Doesn’t Mean Inconvenient

You might be asking, But what about cleansers or face wash? Don’t those need preservatives?

Yes—if they’re made with water. But there are many safe, effective preservative-free alternatives to conventional facial cleansers. I use one myself, and it’s one of my favorite parts of my natural skincare routine.

There are options like:

Oil cleansing, which gently removes makeup and grime without stripping the skin
Powder cleansers, made from clays, grains, or ground botanicals that activate with water at the time of use
Dry cleansing grains, which can be customized for your skin type and don’t require preservatives because they stay dry until you’re ready to use them

Real Skincare, Real Integrity

There’s no denying that preservatives help companies mass-produce and stock shelves. But I’m not aiming for the beauty aisle—I’m aiming for your trust. Pristine Blends isn’t about cutting corners or making things faster. It’s about getting back to what skincare should be: safe, clean, nourishing, and honest.

By choosing preservative-free, you’re not taking a risk. You’re making a conscious decision to treat your skin with ingredients it actually recognizes—without fillers, without chemicals, and without compromise.

My Final Thoughts

Preservatives have a place in the cosmetic world, especially for water-based, long-shelf-life products. But they don’t have a place in my philosophy. At Pristine Blends, I believe skincare should be personal, purposeful, and as close to nature as possible.

No preservatives. No pretenses. Just pure care—handmade for you.

— Bea, Founder of Pristine Blends