ABSTRACT
All countries require that cosmetics sold inside their borders be safe. Part of the safety issue for a cosmetic is freedom from microbial contamination when it is placed on the market and the ability to remain free from contamination during normal and foreseeable use by consumers. Preservatives are chemicals added to cosmetics to prevent the growth of and destroy microbes arising from contamination. Although the primary purpose of a preservative is to maintain a cosmetic in “clean” condition and keep it free from contamination during consumer use, the true purpose of adding preservatives is to eliminate accidental contamination during production.
