Have you ever wondered why your natural skincare product has a little symbol on the label showing an expiration period after opening, like 3M or 6M?

Have you ever wondered why your natural skincare product has a little symbol on the label showing an expiration period after opening, like 3M or 6M?

After all, if something is natural, it should automatically be safe… right?
Well, that’s the theory. In practice, it’s that very 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 that often carries the biggest risk.

A product that doesn’t contain well-selected preservatives can become a breeding ground for bacteria faster than its synthetic counterpart.
And no, a lovely lavender scent or gold-flecked turmeric won’t help if there’s something growing inside that you definitely don’t want to put on your skin.

 

Research by the German Institute for Cosmetic Studies found that 70% of tested natural products without preservatives showed microbial growth within just 4 weeks of opening.

What’s more, according to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), a product is only considered safe if bacterial count stays below 1,000 CFU (colony-forming units) per gram.
In DIY creams, this number is often exceeded by 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴.

Let’s look at our own market: over 60% of consumers actively seek out “synthetic-free” skincare.
But only 1 in 10 brands truly understands how to create a natural product that’s safe 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 compromise.

Instead of chasing trends with shortcuts, it’s time to prioritize knowledge, thoughtful formulation, and informed decisions.

Natural doesn’t mean unscientific. In fact it demands 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 science, not less.

 

✅ Natural preservatives? Yes, but carefully selected. Ferments, essential oils, and plant extracts are powerful tools backed by real research and testing.


✅ Formulation? Critical. Not every base can survive without synthetic support. That’s why we help brands design formulas that stand the test of time.


✅ Packaging? The silent hero. Airless pumps, dark glass, and oxygen-barrier dispensers provide real protection against contamination.


✅ Education? Non-negotiable. Consumers need to know that “natural” doesn’t mean “eternal”, it’s a living product that needs mindful handling.

 

Nature gives us everything we need.
But only when paired with responsibility and technology does it avoid becoming… a petri dish for bacteria.