Pearls from Cheryl

We are devoted to answering your hair and skin care questions. If you are experiencing a related issue and would like the help of our beauty expert, Cheryl Talley Moss, submit your question. Be sure to include Pearls from Cheryl in the subject line of your E-mail. Questions and answers will be posted monthly.

This question comes from Beverly Jackson of Cleveland, Ohio. Cheryl, on the product knowledge page of your web site, I noticed that you listed some preservatives. Why do you put them in your natural products? Some of our skin care products contain natural or semi-natural preservatives. Anything that contains water (creams, gels or lotions) is a paradise for bacteria and molds, and the natural sugars in plant extracts are their favorite food. Many natural substances offer some antibacterial benefits. Certain essential oils, like Tea Tree & Rosemary Oleoresin, and some vitamins (like Vitamin E & C) can help reduce some forms of bacteria when used in high concentrations and in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, your bathroom is not an ideal condition. Heat and steam encourage bacterial growth. Most natural preservatives can't be used in strong enough concentrations to fight contamination without running the risk of skin irritation. Others are useful only against certain types of contaminations. For example - Vitamin C will slow bacterial growth; however, if you leave a glass of orange juice on your bathroom counter for a month it will spoil. Would you still drink it? I don't think so! We use extremely small amounts of some semi- synthetic preservatives to boost the preservative action of natural ingredients, providing protection against a broad range of bacteria, yeast, molds and microbes. Bacteria can break down ingredients in a product, making it less effective. Methylparaben and Propylparaben, two broad-spectrum food-grade preservatives, are used in concentrations of 1% or less and remain effective against a huge range of contaminants. Studied for decades, these two semi- synthetic preservatives rarely cause allergic reaction or sensitivity yet they prevent our skin care products from becoming a breeding ground for germs. By the way every ingredient used in Cheryl's Products has been thoroughly researched and extensively tested. Cheryl's Products was born out of a need. I unofficially started the company 15 years ago when I began researching a natural approach to healing from breast cancer while I was battling the disease. Trust me; the small amount of semi-synthetic preservatives I use in my products will not harm you. The health risks of an unpreserved product are far greater than those of using parabens at a very low percentage. In conclusion, the very small amount of preservatives used in Cheryl's Products can guard against impurities and support the healthfulness of Mother Nature's finest essentials and botanicals.