Introduction As skincare routines focus on health, the content of beauty products becomes all the more important. Even though they increase shelf life , preservatives may have dangers in the long run and therefore consumers prefer preservative-free products to avoid irritation caused to the skin, interference with hormones , and environmental effects . Understanding Preservatives in Skincare Water-based formulas use preservatives in skincare products that prevent or eliminate the growth of bacteria , mold , and fungi . Unfortunately, most of these preservatives are toxic to the skin, such as parabens , phenoxyethanol , and formaldehyde-releasing agents, and can cause redness , rashes , and breakouts in the skin, especially on sensitive or thin skin. The potential risks of preservatives. Even though preservatives prevent contamination , there are some preservatives that adversely affect both the skin and general well-being. Some of these potential risks have been listed below...