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What are the ‘Preservatives’ listed on the back of the tube/labels of sunscreens and why are they used?

These are chemicals that are necessary to preserve the integrity of the sunscreen cream/lotion.

Besides the active ingredients, sunscreens contain moisturisers, water, oils, emulsifiers and various other chemicals which help to maintain the cream emulsion and make the sunscreen pleasant and easy to apply. Without preservatives the sunscreen cream/lotion would support the growth of bacteria which could ‘spoil’ the cream/lotion and/or cause skin infections if they were to contaminate the sunscreen.