Preservatives in Sunless Products: What's Clean, Safe, and Skin-Friendly
By Kailee Hardy
When it comes to sunless solutions, preservatives play a vital role in keeping your products fresh, safe, and effective. They prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast, ensuring that your solutions remain safe for use over time. However, not all preservatives are created equal. With a demand for clean beauty, it’s essential to understand which preservatives align with your values and which may raise concerns.
Here’s a closer look at common preservatives found in spray tanning products, how they work, and what to look for when selecting solutions for your business.
The Role of Preservatives in Sunless Products
Preservatives are crucial in water-based spray tanning formulations, as water creates an environment where microorganisms can thrive. Without preservatives, spray tan solutions would have a much shorter shelf life and could pose risks to your clients’ skin and health. With rising consumer awareness there’s increasing demand for “clean” ingredients that balance safety with effectiveness.
Common Preservatives in Sunless Products
1. Phenoxyethanol
What It Is: A widely used synthetic preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and yeast.
Clean or Avoid? Generally considered safe and clean when used in concentrations below 1%. It’s an effective alternative to parabens, though some clients with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
2. Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
What They Are: Synthetic preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Clean or Avoid? Avoid. Parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption and are a common concern in the clean beauty industry. Many spray tanning brands now offer paraben-free solutions.
3. Benzyl Alcohol
What It Is: A naturally occurring compound that also serves as a solvent and preservative.
Clean or Avoid? Clean. Benzyl alcohol is approved for use in natural and organic formulations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
4. Potassium Sorbate
What It Is: A mild preservative commonly used in food and cosmetics.
Clean or Avoid? Clean. Potassium sorbate is generally regarded as safe, though it can cause mild irritation in rare cases.
5. Sodium Benzoate
What It Is: A preservative often used in conjunction with potassium sorbate.
Clean or Avoid? Clean, with caution. While it’s effective, it can form benzene (a potential carcinogen) when combined with vitamin C, so check product formulations carefully.
What They Are: Preservatives that release small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth.
Clean or Avoid? Avoid. Formaldehyde-releasing agents are associated with skin irritation, allergies, and potential carcinogenic effects.
7. Ethylhexylglycerin
What It Is: A conditioning agent and preservative booster often used alongside phenoxyethanol.
Clean or Avoid? Clean. It’s considered a safer alternative to harsher preservatives.
8. Sorbic Acid
What It Is: A naturally occurring preservative derived from rowan berries.
Clean or Avoid? Clean. It’s effective and widely used in natural cosmetics, including spray tan formulations.
9. Tetrasodium EDTA
What It Is: A chelating agent that enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives.
Clean or Avoid? Avoid. Though effective, it’s not biodegradable and can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
10. Caprylyl Glycol
What It Is: A humectant with antimicrobial properties.
Clean or Avoid? Clean. It’s often used in combination with other preservatives to enhance their effectiveness.
How To Choose Products With Clean Preservatives
When looking for clean spray tanning solutions, consider the following tips:
Read The Label: Look for preservatives like benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, or ethylhexylglycerin, which are considered safer options.
Research Certifications: Products labeled as “ECOCERT” or “USDA Organic” often use cleaner preservatives.
Avoid “Free-From” Pitfalls: Be cautious of brands that advertise “preservative-free” products. Without preservatives, the product may not be safe to use over time.
Patch Test New Solutions: Even clean preservatives can cause irritation for some clients, so always test new products on a small area of skin before full application.
Preservatives are an essential part of spray tanning formulations, ensuring products remain safe, effective, and long-lasting. By understanding their roles and being mindful of the ones to avoid, you can make informed decisions that protect your clients and consistent with your values as a technician. Clean beauty in the spray tanning industry isn’t about eliminating preservatives altogether—it’s about choosing safer, thoughtfully crafted products designed with health and safety in mind. With the right knowledge, you can deliver services that are not only effective but also aligned with the principles of clean and conscious beauty.
Recommended Solution Brands With "Clean" Preservatives
