Are we afraid of preservatives at Gelsum? Not necessarily. We have a water based serum so therefore you must have a preservative that has anti-microbial qualities. SO we researched a clean, natural preservative without toxic health implications. Which is called COSGARD.
THE GOOD, using preservatives extends the shelf life of your products plus avoids bacteria build up. So we choose COSGARD. Why? It is Eco-cert approved. A broad-spectrum, multi-use and is a natural anti-microbial preservative. As an added bonus, CBD is an antioxidant and has anti-bacterial properties. It is not listed as a natural preservative we are simply pointing out its extend and amazing qualities.
THE BAD, Dirty Dozen!
Resource: EWG’s Dirty Dozen and List of tips for safer products.
Nitrites and nitrates
Potassium bromate
Propyl paraben
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Propyl gallate
Theobromine
Secret flavor ingredients
Artificial colors
Diacetyl
Phosphate-based food additives (Watch List)
Aluminum-based additives (Watch List)
Not listed although important to add:
Benzene (toxic carcinogen)For example, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+ and Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70 were among 14 products Valisure claims have some of the highest levels of benzene tested. But products like Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 and Oil-free Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 15 were not found to contain the carcinogen. (Although, Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Neutrogena products, told CBS News that “benzene is not an ingredient in any of our personal care products). Here is a list of sunscreens with benzene. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16m7Uxx3vZdNvYhDD5skjsc2D13QBHLYj/view Phenoxyethanol – latest preservative showing up in “clean” products, could cause eczema and skin irritation
Formaldehyde a paraben alternative (used to embalm dead bodies)
Methylisothiazolinone banned in Europe
https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/preservatives.asp
The UGLY. We researched the negative implications to using toxic preservatives and a list of preservatives to avoid.
Unfortunately, it’s not enough just looking for ‘Contains Parabens’ on the bottle. When it comes to studying the label of your skincare products, the names to look out for are listed below under the dirty dozen.
In 2004, a British study found traces of five parabens in the breast tissue of 19 out of 20 women studied. The study didn’t prove that parabens can cause cancer but identified that the parabens were able to penetrate the skin and remain within tissue. From this study and several other routes of research, we choose to feed our skin with nourishing ingredients.
Parabens are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. Too much oestrogen can trigger an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumors, which is why paraben use has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. Health concerns: Endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity. Additionally, preservatives used in products can break down your skin barrier by killing off the good bacteria that also defends the surface of your skin against toxins. The result is a loss of moisture, as well as potential irritation and even infection. Look for products with limited ingredients and no toxic preservatives.
There you have it the Good, Bad and the Ugly. Due to limiting preservatives in our serum the downside some may find is you have to use it! Well, we would hope you would use it night and day to experience anti-aging and healing benefits of this amazing serum. We recommend but it is not necessary to refrigerate (if you have a cosmetic refrigerator it makes life easier!). If you do not it is best stored in a cool, dark space away from sunlight and use within 60days. (Dose 1-2 pumps per bottle 2x a day will last 30 days)
LET’s put your knowledge to a test, 😄 after reading this blog post…
Below is a very well known and “award winning”” Serum. Look at all those ingredients! Do you see a few ”toxic” preservatives listed? 🤔
Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau; Bifida Ferment Lysate; Methyl Gluceth-20; Peg-75; Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane; Butylene Glycol; Propanediol; Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed Extract; Hydrolyzed Algin; Pantethine; Caffeine; Lecithin; Tripeptide-32; Ethylhexylglycerin; Sodium Rna; Bisabolol; Glycereth-26; Squalane; Sodium Hyaluronate; Oleth-3 Phosphate; Caprylyl Glycol; Lactobacillus Ferment; Oleth-3; Oleth-5; Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile); Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure; Choleth-24; Hydrogenated Lecithin; Ceteth-24; Tocopheryl Acetate; Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate; Hexylene Glycol; Carbomer; Triethanolamine; Trisodium Edta; Bht; Xanthan Gum; Phenoxyethanol; Red 4 (Ci 14700); Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) <ILN39632>
You are safe with Gelsum Topical Hemp™, although you have to use it! Your goal is to see resolution of skin issues, right? Don’t save Gelsum for a rainy day. With limited preservatives comes a limited shelf life. Also, serum is best refrigerated, kept out of sunlight and use within 2-3 months
