All cream based products contain water, which require preservatives to keep out bacteria and or fungus. Since bath salts, body oils and soaps do not contain water, they contain natural preservatives to prolong their shelf life. Many skin creams can sit on a retailers shelf for up to two years. Preservatives cans be all natural or chemical-based, which should be labeled on each container.

Benzoin Resin is an important ingredient in making incense and facial toner creams. It has a rich sweet scent and is easily absorbed into the skin.

Borax is found in the laundry section of most grocery stores. It is a preservative that is found in many lotions, hand creams and bath salts.

Honey is an all-natural preservative. It is added to many cosmetics and skin creams to preserve shelf life. It can also be found in salt scrubs and lotions.

Jojoba is like honey, it is versatile. It is added to any cosmetic creams that have a short shelf like. It is mostly added to almond oil and rosehip seed oil.

Vitamin E oil is also an antioxidant. It is found in many baby lotions, facial skin creams and lip balms.

Alcohol is used in many creamy facial cleansers. It can dry out skin and be harmful to people who have rosacea.

Formaldehyde is used in many natural skin care creams. It is also known to irritate skin.

Phenoxythanol is the most common used preservative in skincare creams. It can also irritate the skin since it is petroleum based.