Preservatives in the Spotlight

Most of us tend to put little thought into preservatives, but if we do think about them, it is quite often in the context of food. What is less talked about, though, is the use of preservatives in personal care products and even the packaging of different types of products. From body wash to cosmetics, a variety of the products we use every day contain any number of preservatives. As the use of preservatives grows in the products around us, what are the long term consequences? Is there any reason for concern at all?

_In modern western society, particularly the United States but also in Europe and other parts of the world, the term best used to describe preservatives would be pervasive. Even found in places you wouldn't normally think to look (The easiest way to remember this is if the product has water in it, then it likely has a preservative), preservatives in things other than foods are just now coming to the attention of people. As awareness grows, so too has the call from certain groups to reexamine our use these substances.

_Recently dermatologists in Europe have called greater scrutiny into preservatives in personal care products due to a potential link to the significant increase in eczema and contact dermatitis. While this is mainly fueled by an observational correlation, research is needed to being to prove any type of solid link.

_In a whitepaper-style article I recently wrote, I go over some of the basics about preservatives, what they are, where you find them, and why there has been recent cause for concern. To read more about preservatives in foods and personal care products.

_Author: Kevin G.

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