Natural and Safe Preservatives for Homemade Lipstick

For homemade lipstick, which is typically oil-based, finding a suitable preservative is important. Based on your requirement for natural or very safe options, and considering the nature of lipstick formulas, here are some recommendations:

• Mild Preserved Eco™: This is a highly recommended option for oil-based products like lipstick and lip balm. While not classified as a preservative by the FDA (allowing for "preservative-free" claims), it effectively prevents microbial growth. It is considered gentle and safe. You can disperse it in the oil phase of your formula. The recommended usage rate for general cosmetic formulas is 1.0-1.5%, and up to 2.0% for formulas that are more prone to contamination. It works in a pH range of 4-9.

• NaturePreserve™ Ultra: This is a 100% natural preservative. However, it is a powder that needs to be mixed in the water phase and works best in a pH range of 3-6. If your lipstick formula contains a water phase and falls within this pH range, this could be an option. The recommended usage rate is 1.0-1.25% for products that are packaged to minimize external contamination.

Remember that the suitability and effectiveness of any preservative depend on your specific formula. It is always recommended to perform a challenge test to ensure your product is adequately preserved.

If your formula is entirely oil-based with no water, preservatives designed for water phases like NaturePreserve™ Ultra and NaturePreserve™ LB2 may not be effective. Mild Preserved Eco™ is a better fit for oil-based systems as it can be dispersed in oil.