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Health TopicsBeauty and Personal CareDaily Skin Care
question

What are the common preservatives used in skin care products?

Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD
Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD
Dermatology
answer

Preservatives are ingredients that kill bacteria to prevent a product from contamination.

The common preservatives used are:

  • Tocopherol acetate (vitamin E derivative; is also an emollient and
           antioxidant).
  • Propylene and butylene glycols (also humectants)
  • Disodium and tetrasodium EDTA
  • Diazolidinyl and imidazolydyl urea
  • Parabens (Methylparaben, polyparaben, butylparaben, etc.)
  • Phenoxyethanol
  • Methylisothiazolinone
  • Ascorbyl palmitate (a derivative of vitamin C)
  • Benzoic acid
  • Benzyl alcohol
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Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin
What if a leading dermatologist just happened to be your best friend and you could ask her anything? DR. ELLEN MARMUR, a world-renowned New York City dermatologist, answers all your questions with...

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.