1. What is a preservative?
The definition of a preservative is an industry-recognized ingredient that serves only to prevent microbial growth in consumer products such as a cosmetics and food.

2. What are parabens?
Parabens are the most commonly used preservatives in personal care products. However, Parabens are only one group of many different types of preservatives that have been shown to cause a host of skin irritations, such as dryness, redness and even breakouts. "Paraben-free" does not equal to preservative-free. When caring for sensitive skin, it's important to avoid all types of preservative- not just parabens!

3. What are the benefits of preservatives?
There are no known benefits, only that preservatives will extend the life of a product beyond what it would be naturally - even beyond what may be necessary, or desired.

4. What are the potential dangers of a preservative?
The biggest concern would be skin irritations that can vary from mild to very severe. Most people do not even think about the fact that these could be caused by their beauty products and what they are using to treat a problem could actually be making it much worse.

5. How do preservatives affect your skin?
Preservatives can cause many skin irritations from eczema to rosacea to blemishes.

6. Are products safe without preservatives? How can you keep products fresh?
Yes, products can be safe without preservatives as long as they are used before their ingredients break down. boscia, for example, created innovative procedures to extend product lifespan. Besides their award-winning manufacturing process, two of the ingredients that boscia uses to provide an antiseptic effect, retain moisture and deliver ingredient benefits to the skin, have also proven to increase shelf life. While other preservatives such as Parabens can prolong the life of a product almost indefinitely, yet have a harsh effect on the skin, boscia relies on its unique formulas to deliver gentle, non-irritating products. Where necessary, boscia also relies on its unique airless dispensing system to further retain product efficacy. boscia products have all been tested for freshness for three years from the date of fill. Each product is stamped with the "use by" date to ensure optimal product quality and freshness.