I'm working on a basic natural formulation for a dry clay face cleanser. If I use a dry clay, salt and some fruit powders would it need a preservative? For example:
Rhassoul clay
Alaea red clay and salt blend or fine Himalayan salt
Rose petal powder
Thanks.
Jessica
Comments
Do you need a preservative, as in "Is my product at all likely to get contaminated under the majority of conditions it will come in contact with?"
Or, do you need a preservative, as in "Am I likely to get sued if my product gets contaminated in an unusual situation?"
Or lastly, do you need a preservative, as in "Am I likely to get in trouble if the regulatory agency in my country finds out that my product got contaminated in an unusual situation?"
I'm of the opinion that since there is no real downside to including a preservative (except preventing your company from using fear marketing) they should be included in most any formula.
Thank you everyone, that's really helpful. I guess I need to take into account that the product would be in the bathroom so could possibly get contaminated with water. Does that give me preservation issues given that the clay will absorb the preservative? Would salt be an appropriate preservative for the ingredients below or would I need to consider something else?
Clay
Alaea red clay and salt blend or fine Himalayan salt
Rosehip seed powder
Pomegranate powder
Thanks.
Jessica
See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
There's a preservative strategy and reviews here which should help walk you through the process: http://www.makingskincare.com/preservatives
Good luck
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I had a question I was hoping someone could expand on with dry clay masks.
I see I do not need a preservative if it remains anhydrous. Does adding essential oils make them no longer anydrous and will then require preservatives?
I'm planning on leaving mine in clay/powdered form for a variety of reasons but would like to use some EO for scent purposes.
It will be different clays with other powders such as hibiscus powder, aloe vera *powder*, rosehip botanical extract powder, mango powder, etc...everything would be in dry form except for the EO and then it would be mixed with water in a separate bowl when using.
Thanks again for the help.
No need for a preservative if it's a mix of dry powders, clays and essential oils. Anhydrous means "without water" ... So adding oils (oils are anhydrous) will not create an environment for microbial growth.
See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
As to the last question, how does the product remain a powder after you add the essential oils? Do you reheat it or shortlyso to dry the clay back out?