by Erika MacDougall
A Moment of Clarity: Understanding the Truth About Preservatives
Recently, I came across a headline from an online women’s health magazine that made my heart skip a beat: “Do your cosmetics contain cancer-causing formaldehyde?” It’s easy to see why sensationalist language like this can provoke fear - it’s designed to grab attention at the expense of accuracy. But as someone who carefully formulates skincare, I wanted to pause, reflect, and share the real story about preservatives like Liquid Germall Plus and why fear-mongering around them is dangerous. What Is Formaldehyde, Really?Formaldehyde is a natural substance. Every living organism produces it, including our own bodies - it’s in every breath we exhale. It’s also present in everyday foods: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and even beverages like coffee and wine. At room temperature, it is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong odor, but the trace amounts released by preservatives in cosmetics are far from harmful. Why It’s in SkincareYou won’t find formaldehyde gas or formalin in your cosmetics. What you do find are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, like Liquid Germall Plus or Diazolidinyl Urea. These ingredients release an infinitesimal amount of formaldehyde - chemically identical to the formaldehyde our bodies naturally produce. Their purpose is simple: they protect water-based products from bacteria, mold, and fungus, keeping your skincare safe to use day after day. The Science of SafetyRegulatory bodies including the FDA, EPA, OSHA, and European agencies strictly limit formaldehyde in personal care products. The maximum allowed concentration is 0.2% (2000ppm), and anything above 0.05% must be labeled. Experts, chemists, doctors, and experienced skincare formulators all agree: at these super low concentrations, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are safe, effective, and essential for preventing contamination. In fact, the amount of formaldehyde released while using a typical moisturizer is roughly the same as what you would find in a medium-sized apple or pear. Formaldehyde is often listed as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside things like alcohol, processed meats, and sunshine. Yet it’s important to understand the context: studies showing cancer risk involved high occupational exposures, such as in embalmers and pathologists. There is no evidence that the minute quantities released in skincare cause cancer. It is the dose that makes the substance toxic - not the mere presence of it. The Danger of Fear-MongeringWhen sensational headlines dominate, people may avoid safe, effective preservatives. The real risk comes from using unpreserved or poorly preserved products that can grow harmful bacteria - far more dangerous than the controlled trace amounts of formaldehyde in products like ours. Fear without context can lead to poor choices, not safety. Why “Natural” Alternatives Aren’t Always BetterYou may have seen preservatives marketed as “natural” or “clean,” but many of these alternatives are not as effective. Some require industrial equipment or specialized conditions to work safely, making them impractical for small-batch, handmade skincare. Others haven’t been thoroughly tested long-term, so we simply don’t know how they behave over months of storage or repeated use on the skin. Choosing these alternatives can actually compromise safety and product stability, whereas preservatives like Liquid Germall Plus are well-studied, proven, and reliable. Faith, Wisdom, and CareAs a Christian, I see skincare as part of caring for the body God has given us - a small act of stewardship and thanksgiving. Choosing products formulated with proper preservatives is not a compromise; it’s a way to honor God’s creation, protecting your skin while embracing natural ingredients. Let’s not allow fear to override wisdom. Instead, let’s rejoice in knowledge, discernment, and the small but powerful blessings of safe, effective skincare.
