515 Evolution and Challenges of Sustainability
evolution has involved the use of hurdle technology that enables cosmetic scientists to
formulate products with reduced levels of preservatives or products that are preservative-free.
The evolution of cosmetic preservation is expanding from merely being focused on
preservative systems that prevent product contamination to products that preserve the
healthy skin microbiome. We are beginning to determine the composition of the skin
microbiome, the benefits of microbial diversity in sustaining the microbiome, and the
crosstalk between the microorganisms and the skin that benefits skin physiology and
helps maintain homeostasis. Sustainable cosmetic products should work with the skin
microbiome to maintain microbial diversity and to prevent dysbiosis that may result in
skin disorders. It may be possible to use selected microorganisms as probiotics, to use
phages to prevent growth of undesirable microorganisms, or to use compounds identified
as prebiotics to stimulate growth of desirable skin microflora to maintain homeostasis. The
evolution of cosmetic preservation will continue as we learn more about environmentally
friendly preservative-free products that are sustainable because they benefit the healthy
skin/skin microbiome ecosystem as they beautify and promote attractiveness of the skin.
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