Natural Preservatives for DIY Skincare: Geogard vs Optiphen

Preservatives in Natural Products? Why I Use Geogard and Optiphen Anyway

When “All Natural” Gets a Little… Confusing

When I first started making my own skincare and home products, I was so excited to ditch all the synthetic junk. I imagined everything being 100% natural, straight from my apothecary shelf. But then came the confusing part: preservatives.

Wait—wasn’t I trying to get away from preservatives?

I remember standing in my kitchen with a freshly-made facial mist, reading warnings about bacteria and mold growth in DIY formulas that contained water. It felt like a total contradiction. If I wanted my product to be safe and last more than a few days, I had to add something... but what?

That’s when I discovered Geogard and Optiphen—two preservatives that changed everything.

What Is a Preservative, Really?

In simple terms, a preservative prevents mold, bacteria, and yeast from growing in your product—especially those with water, aloe, or hydrosols, which are breeding grounds for contamination. Without one, your shelf life might only be 3–5 days unless kept in the fridge and used with sterile hands/tools.

Why I Chose Geogard and Optiphen

Here’s the honest truth: not all preservatives are created equal. Most commercial products use preservatives that are irritating or endocrine-disrupting (like parabens or formaldehyde releasers). That’s a hard no from me.

Geogard and Optiphen are different—they’re broad-spectrum, paraben-free, and considered low-tox when used correctly. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Geogard (aka Geogard ECT)

• INCI name: Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid

• Water-soluble: Yes

• Usage rate: 0.75% to 1%

• pH range: 3–8

• Best for: Mists, lotions, aloe gels, and water-based products

• Bonus: Approved by ECOCERT for use in certified organic cosmetics

Optiphen

• INCI name: Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol

• Oil-soluble: Yes (but works in emulsions too)

• Usage rate: 0.5% to 1.5%

• pH range: Not pH-sensitive

• Best for: Serums, balms, emulsions, and low-water products

• Bonus: Mild scent, easy to work with

📝 Note: These are NOT natural preservatives like rosemary extract or grapefruit seed extract. Those are antioxidants—not true preservatives.

So Why Use Them At All?

Because mold and bacteria are invisible—and dangerous. Especially if you’re giving these to family members, kids, or customers, product safety has to come first. I use preservatives only when a formula needs it (typically anything with water or aloe), or I know there's no way I can use up the product before it expires. When I can avoid it (like in oil-only balms or butters), I do!

Using Geogard or Optiphen is a small trade-off to ensure:

• You’re not putting spoiled product on your skin

• You’re not tossing a recipe every 3 days

• You’re protecting sensitive skin from unseen irritation

Final Thought

When I first started this journey into homemade skincare, I thought "natural" meant no preservatives ever. But what I’ve learned is that being natural isn’t just about avoiding ingredients—it’s about making informed, safe choices. Using a trusted preservative like Geogard or Optiphen doesn’t make your product less clean. It makes it smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

Think of it as giving your creations a little armor—so they can protect you in return. ❤️

Preservatives in natural products? It's not about being synthetic-it's about being safe!

this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always test products on a small surface first and use caution when using essential oils around children or pets