Check the labels on some of your favorite store-bought items. You might spot these clean-label preservatives:
ε-Polylysine: A natural antimicrobial made from fermented bacteria. It’s great at fighting a wide range of germs and is so safe, your body can even digest it like a nutrient. You’ll often find it in rice dishes, prepared meals, and drinks.
Nisin: Made from bacteria, nisin specifically targets certain spoilage organisms in dairy, canned foods, and meats. It’s like a precision tool for food safety.
Natamycin: This one’s a mold and yeast fighter. It’s often sprayed on the surface of cheese, yogurt, or dried sausage to keep them from going fuzzy.
3. Even in Your Skincare
Yes, natural preservatives are in lotions, serums, and creams too! Brands that lean "clean" or "natural" often use:
Tea Tree Oil: Popular in acne products for its bacteria-fighting power.
Rosemary Extract: Works as both an antioxidant and a mild preservative.
ε-Polylysine & Nisin: These are also making their way into skincare because they’re gentle and effective—perfect for sensitive skin.
The good and the not-so-good
The upside:
They’re generally recognized as safe—your body knows what to do with them.
Many come from familiar sources.
They often do double duty.
The downside:
They can be more expensive to produce.
The bottom line
Natural preservatives aren’t something to avoid—they’re something to appreciate! From your grandma’s homemade pickles to the yogurt in your fridge and the face cream on your shelf, they’re working behind the scenes to keep things fresh, safe, and natural.
Now when you see them on a label, you’ll know: they’re the good guys.
