Only Good, Nothing Extra: How We Skip Preservatives in Skincare

The only reason I started making soap and lotion was to create healthier products for my family. I was tired of reading labels filled with unpronounceable words. Even many “pure” or “healthier” companies use ingredients I don’t understand. And in many cases, I get it—they have to. Large companies mass-produce, and their products need to survive the trip from a manufacturing facility to a warehouse, onto a semi-truck, then to a store, and finally to your home. That’s a lot of stops before it even touches your skin.

This is why companies that make products in small batches, locally or shipped directly to you, can use safer, simpler ingredients. That’s exactly what I do with Only Good Wyoming. Even if I had so many orders that I needed to go on Shark Tank for an investor, I wouldn’t. Not because bigger companies are bad—but because that’s when I would need to start compromising my core principles: using only good ingredients.

You can call me a purist, but staying true to my calling matters more. I want to honor what God has placed on my heart and hands. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23, )ESV. That means creating products that are safe, natural, and nourishing, without cutting corners.

Preservatives in Skincare: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: So what’s the big deal with preservatives? A: Preservatives are chemicals added to lotions, creams, and skincare products to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast. While they help products last longer on the shelf, many are unnecessary in natural, water-free products like our tallow lotion. Plus, some can irritate skin, trigger allergies, or interfere with your body’s natural processes, like your hormones.

Q: Why can preservatives be harmful? A: Some, like parabens and formaldehyde releasers, can disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions, or contribute to skin sensitivity. Even when applied topically, chemicals are absorbed through your skin—the body’s largest organ—so what you put on your skin really matters.

Q: What are the biggest offenders?

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben)

• Phenoxyethanol

• Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea)- I can’t even pronounce these.

• BHT/BHA (used in some creams and lip products)

Q: Can preservatives build up in our system? A: Yes. Your skin absorbs substances directly into the bloodstream, so repeated exposure can lead to chemical buildup over time. While occasional exposure is unlikely to cause harm (or so they say), daily use may contribute to long-term effects, especially alongside other environmental toxins. If you know me, you know I don’t hold a ton of trust in modern science, doctors or mainstream internet information. My research may show that occasional exposure is unlikely to cause harm, but I just don’t buy it.

Q: Was there as many chronic diseases before preservatives? A: Modern science suggests that exposure to synthetic chemicals—including preservatives in food and personal care—has increased alongside the rise in allergies, hormone-related disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Minimizing unnecessary chemical exposure is a simple way to reduce risk.

Q: Why are preservatives in skincare so important to avoid? A: Because your skin absorbs what you put on it. Products loaded with preservatives can irritate, disrupt hormones, or trigger long-term health effects. I have battled two autoimmune diseases. Do I think that the products and food I chose were probably at least partially to blame? Absolutely. Choosing preservative-free skincare like our tallow lotion nourishes your skin naturally without chemicals.

Q: Are all preservatives bad? A: Not all. Natural preservatives like vitamin E, rosemary extract, or certain essential oils can help extend shelf life safely. The key is avoiding synthetic, harsh chemicals.

Q: How can I safely use natural, preservative-free products? A: Store them in a cool, dark place, use clean hands or utensils, and keep lids tightly closed. Water-free formulations like our tallow lotion naturally resist mold, so harsh preservatives aren’t necessary.

Let’s go back to that list of preservatives that were tough to pronounce. Don’t take my word for it. Go and do some research on your own. I know what I found when I started educating myself. Here is a breakdown of those preservatives:

Common Synthetic Preservatives in Skincare

1. Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)

• What they are: Synthetic chemicals to prevent bacteria and mold in cosmetics.

• Where they come from: Made from para-hydroxybenzoic acid, derived from petroleum or plants.

• Why they matter: Absorbed through the skin, they mimic estrogen and may disrupt hormones over time.

2. Phenoxyethanol

• What it is: Synthetic preservative and antimicrobial agent.

• Where it comes from: Made from ethyl alcohol and phenol, both petroleum-derived.

• Why it matters: Can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and at high doses may affect the nervous system.

3. Formaldehyde Releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea)

• What they are: Compounds that slowly release formaldehyde to prevent spoilage.

• Where they come from: Fully synthetic, used in cosmetics and industrial applications.

• Why it matters: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and even small amounts can trigger allergies or irritation over time.

4. BHT/BHA (Butylated Hydroxytoluene / Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

• What they are: Synthetic antioxidants that prevent oils and fats from going rancid.

• Where they come from: Chemically derived from petroleum; BHA occurs naturally in small amounts in some foods.

• Why they matter: Linked to hormone disruption and potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies.

Look at the ingredient label on your favorite lotions and soaps. Do they contain any of these preservatives? I’m not trying to fear-monger—I just want to inform and explain how my products are different. The base of my lotions and balms is grass-fed tallow and Wyoming beeswax. Nothing more, nothing less.

At times, I’ve wanted to add aloe vera or magnesium to my lotions, but because they’re water-based, I’d need preservatives. Instead of compromising my core values, I chose not to make those products. And that’s okay. I’d rather skip a trend than compromise my calling.

Making skincare is more than a business for me because I didn’t set out to start a business—it’s a mission. I want you to know that when you use my tallow lotions, you’re putting only good, nourishing ingredients on your skin. No preservatives, no unnecessary chemicals, just products made with care, intention, and integrity.

As it says in Proverbs 31:17 (NIV), “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” I see my work in the same way—I use my hands and heart to create products that care for your body as God intended. That’s the difference between something made quickly and cheaply and something made with love, patience, and purpose.

When you choose Only Good Wyoming, you’re choosing skin care that honors your body, your health, and your values— you're choosing to skip the preservatives, just like I do for my family every day.