Ingredient glossary

Know what's in the bottle

Plain-language notes on what each ingredient does, who it suits and when to be careful.

Filter by what it does: Preservative

19 ingredients · Preservative

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1,2-HexanediolPreservativeA hydrating solvent that also helps preserve the formula, often used to reduce the need for traditional preservatives.

B

Benzyl AlcoholPreservativeA preservative that keeps products free of microbes. Can occasionally irritate very sensitive skin.
ButylparabenPreservativeA paraben preservative whose use is restricted in some markets.

C

D

E

I

Imidazolidinyl UreaPreservativeCan irritateA preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde, which can sensitise skin.

M

P

Q

Quaternium-15PreservativeCan irritateA formaldehyde-releasing preservative and a well-known cause of skin allergy.

S

Sodium BenzoatePreservativeA gentle preservative also used in food.

T

TriclosanPreservativeCan irritateAn antibacterial ingredient now restricted in many products and best avoided.