The Science of Cosmetic Preservation
Learn how cosmetic preservation really works and how to pick a system that holds up — from traditional and natural to non-traditional options.
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Preservation Sounds Simple. Until You Have to Choose a System.
Picking a preservative isn't choosing an ingredient from a supplier list. The right system depends on your formula's water activity, everything else in the jar, and how the product will actually be used.
This workshop gives you a practical framework — taught by a formulator with 30+ years of experience — that you can apply to the formula on your bench today.
What Will You Learn in This Session?
Why Preservatives Matter
Why products need them, and what actually happens when preservation fails.
Water Activity
How water activity drives microbial growth and shapes what your formula needs.
What Makes a System Work
How to build an effective preservation system — not just pick a single ingredient.
Traditional, Natural & Non-Traditional Options
Where each approach works, and where each one falls short.
Selecting for the Formula
How to choose based on the formula in front of you, and avoid the common mistakes that cause microbial failure.
A Repeatable Approach
An evaluation method — including AI tools for screening — that balances performance, cost, and consumer trends while staying current on safety and regulation.
You'll Get These Questions Answered
- Why does my product need a preservative?
- How does water activity change what my formula needs?
- What makes a preservation system effective beyond one ingredient?
- Where do traditional preservatives work best?
- How good are natural preservatives, and where do they fall short?
- When do non-traditional approaches make sense?
- How do I choose the right preservative for a specific formula?
Who Should Attend This Session?
Formulators & R&D Teams
Pick systems that hold up, cut the trial-and-error, and stop losing batches to microbial failure.
Indie Beauty Founders & Brand Owners
Understand preservation even if a contract manufacturer does the work — ask sharper questions and avoid costly recalls.
Quality & Regulatory Professionals
Stay current on guidelines and judge whether a product's preservation is actually adequate.
Anyone Troubleshooting or Reviewing Products
Catch problems early and balance performance, cost, and customer expectations.
About the Presenter
Perry Romanowski
Cosmetic Chemist & Founder, Chemists Corner
Perry is a cosmetic chemist and formulation instructor based in Chicago. Over more than 30 years he's formulated products at companies including Alberto Culver and founded Chemists Corner to help formulators and enthusiasts turn ideas into real products. He teaches the workshop and runs the live Q&A.
Watch the Replay
90-minute recorded workshop with Perry Romanowski · instant access · watch on demand