How hygienic are cosmetic products in jars?

Many of the best beauty products come in jars or pots. Some are meant for used with brush, some come with a cute little spatula (which, frankly, we often lose shortly after opening the package), while others are designed for finger use only. We don't blame you if the idea of ​​dipping your fingers into the product and smearing it on your face day after day disgusts you. Products packaged in pump bottles or tubes only seem more hygienic. The question is, if canned foods are a breeding ground for bacteria, why sell them at all? We turned to Rosary Roselin, assistant chief chemist at L'Oréal, to get the scoop. 

So, food in jars is unsanitary?

There are reasons why beauty products contain preservatives, and one of them is to prevent formulas from becoming unsafe to use. “All cosmetic products must contain preservatives, because these are the ingredients that prevent the growth of bacteria and microorganisms,” says Rosario. "The preservation system will not prevent contamination of the product, but it will prevent the growth of any contaminants and spoilage of the product." She also notes that jarred products undergo rigorous microbiological testing.

How can you prevent contamination of your products? 

The product in the jar can get dirty if you don't wash your hands before use and if the surface you apply the product to is dirty (another reason it's important to clean your skin!). "Also, keep the jar tightly closed when not in use, and avoid storing it in places with high humidity or high humidity if it's not sealed well," says Rosario. Finally, always check the PAO (Post Open) symbol to know when the formula expires. “After the PAO expires, preservatives can become less active,” she says. 

How do you know if your product is contaminated or not sanitary?

While Rosario notes that "a well-preserved product will not allow these contaminants to continue to rise and there shouldn't be a problem," there are a few warning signs to look out for on the rare occasions when there are problems. First, if you begin to experience any adverse reactions that were not present after previous use. Then look at the product for physical changes. Rosario says a change in color, smell, or separation are all red flags. If you think your product is contaminated, stop using it.