They are, however, essential to the safety of both products and users by avoiding microbiological and bacterial contamination. But most of them also have an irritating and/or allergenic or even toxic potential. After having remained very discreet for a long time, the profession has decided to communicate to present these ingredients, which it cannot do without, and of course, more in their best light, emphasizing their usefulness and safety of use.

“You may have heard negative information about preservatives in cosmetics. But what exactly do you know about this subject? Test your knowledge with this quiz”, invite Cosmetics Europe and FEBEA, the professional associations of the European and French cosmetics industry.
12 questions follow, on the period of use after opening, the role of preservatives, their safety, their origin, their field of use… In the form of a MCQ, each question having one or more correct answers.
A short video is also available, showing the development of moulds when a cream does not contain preservatives…
At the end of the questionnaire, a score, assigned according to the correct answers, but above all (after each question in the English version, at the very end of the questionnaire in the French version) an explanation so that everyone can better understand the importance of not putting all the preservatives in the same bin…

In the end, this is a rather novel approach that is well in line with the trend towards transparency initiated by the entire industry towards its consumers, providing information for the general public and clearly affirming its need to safeguard the crucial ingredients that are preservatives.
Probably to be renewed for others….

To go further
• Take the quiz in its French version
• Take the quiz in its English version