Preservatives’ function is indeed to make cosmetics microbiologically safe. Because most cosmetics are water based and with a long shelf life, they require a preservative system. Their task has not changed as such, however their safety evaluation has evolved over the years as the industry has grown and with it the exposure to preservatives.
Preservatives are necessary to extend the shelf life of cosmetics. But they do not have a good reputation with customers. Barbara Olioso knows how they are currently developing in order to increase both acceptance and tolerance.
The packaging of a cosmetic product has the task of protecting its content, while also making it available to the consumer. Airless systems combine safety and, at the same time, convenient delivery of the product. Anne-Laure Khouri explains the technology behind it and the latest developments.
One way to develop sustainable packaging can be to do without fossil raw materials. Ines Kandel and Mark Vester report on the development of a sustainable alternative to conventional virgin plastic. Plastic has many advantages: it is light, durable, recyclable, flexible, and currently the most widely used packaging material in the cosmetics industry.
