Why Preservatives Get a Bad Rap — and Why Water-Based Skincare Still Matters

In the world of clean beauty, preservatives have become the skincare villain — but is that reputation fair?

At The Good Fat Co., we’re big believers in transparency, skin sensitivity, and high-performance natural ingredients. But here’s the truth: if your product contains water, you need a preservative. And that doesn’t mean you’re using harsh, toxic ingredients. It means you’re protecting your customers from mold, bacteria, and contamination — all of which can grow quickly in water-based formulas.

Water: The Unsung Hero of Skin Health

Water plays an essential role in skincare:

• It helps hydrate the skin at a cellular level

• It acts as a vehicle for nutrients and botanical extracts

• It gives products that lightweight, refreshing feel we all love

Hydration is not the enemy — imbalanced formulas are. Water on its own isn’t harmful. In fact, without it, our skin can become dry, tight, and dull. The issue is how water-based formulas are preserved.

 The Preservative Panic

Over the years, synthetic preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasers gave preservatives a bad reputation — and rightly so. But lumping all preservation systems together isn't fair or accurate.

There are gentle, effective preservatives that are approved for natural skincare. Many of these:

• Are eco-certified and globally accepted

• Prevent microbial growth to keep your skin safe

• Are used at low percentages to avoid irritation

At The Good Fat Co., we use safe  ALL NATURAL preservation systems in our water-based products, such as our Hyaluronic Acid Face Cream and Calendula Lotion, so you get all the hydrating, skin-soothing benefits without the risk.

Balance Is the Key

It’s not “water-free = good” and “water-based = bad.” It’s all about:

• Choosing the right ingredients for your skin goals

• Using a formula that’s balanced, effective, and safe

• Being informed, not fearful

Whether it’s our rich, oil-based tallow face cream or our hydrating, water-based Collagen Cream , each product is formulated with intention — and preserved with your skin’s health and safety in mind.

Glow Tip: Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients (like we are!) and prioritize skin safety without compromising quality.