
If you've dealt with eczema, rosacea, acne, psoriasis—or simply have sensitive skin—you’ve likely tried countless products that promise gentle care. But if your skincare still contains synthetic preservatives, you may be missing one of the most overlooked triggers of poor skin health.
At Atlantik Body Care, we’ve developed a completely natural preservative system for our Veil Moisturiser, and none of our products contain synthetic preservatives.
Let’s dive into why this matters—and what makes our system different.
⚠️ The Problem with Synthetic Preservatives
Synthetic preservatives are added to mainstream skincare to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing inside the product—on the surface, it makes perfect sense.
Here’s the issue:
These preservatives don’t stop working when you apply the product—they stay active on your skin. That means your skin’s own living ecosystem of beneficial bacteria, which protects your barrier and keeps inflammation at bay, can be disrupted.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have highlighted the risks:
Leave-on cosmetics alter microbiome & skin health
A 2024 study in Microorganisms found that preservative-containing skincare reduced beneficial microbes and worsened visible skin markers like fine lines, redness, and texture—compared to preservative-free formulas¹.
3D skin models confirm bacterial disruption
A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports showed that common preservatives (like phenoxyethanol and parabens) significantly inhibited key skin bacteria—Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis—on reconstructed skin².
Real-world application alters skin flora
A 2022 Microorganisms study observed that conventional leave-on cosmetics containing preservatives changed the facial skin microbiome in live participants, potentially contributing to dysbiosis³.
🧴 The Consequences of Dysbiosis
Microbial imbalance—also known as dysbiosis—can lead to:
- Persistent acne or eczema
- Dry, flaky, and sensitive skin
- Increased inflammation and flare-ups
- Ongoing barrier dysfunction and compromised skin resilience
🌿 Our Solution: Competitive Exhaustion, Not Chemical Warfare
Rather than using synthetic agents that indiscriminately kill all bacteria—including the good ones—we use a gentle, natural synergistic system built from natural antimicrobial compounds, structured blends of fatty acids from select botanical oils, and multifunctional emollients that also act as preservative enhancers. These ingredients work together to stress microbes during the product's first 7 days—forcing them to burn out naturally, instead of killing them outright. It’s preservation via competitive exhaustion, not chemical aggression.
🚫 Active Only in the Bottle, Not on Your Skin
Crucially, this system is only active inside the product, not on your skin. Once applied, the formula becomes a nourishing, microbiome-friendly layer without any residual preservatives disturbing your skin’s microflora.
🧼 Airless Packaging = The Hygiene Bonus
We pair this natural system with airtight, airless packaging that:
- Prevents product contamination
- Enables clean dosing (no dipping fingers)
- Guards the formula against air and moisture exposure
This design ensures the product remains fresh and safe—without synthetic preservatives.
🌟 Healthy Skin, Happier Microbiome
Removing synthetic preservatives isn’t just a marketing move—it’s about honoring skin biology. By protecting your skin’s living ecosystem, we help support:
- Improved hydration and barrier strength
- Reduced inflammation and sensitivity
- Real, visible transformations—especially for compromised skin types
🔬 Final Thoughts
Most brands don’t talk about preservatives. But for us, innovation and transparency go hand-in-hand. Dr. Neil Maher’s biochemistry expertise ensures our formulas are effective and respectful of your skin’s natural defences.
If you're tired of short-lived results and want a skincare approach that restores rather than disrupts, this is for you.
Atlantik Body Care. Made in Kerry. Backed by nature. Guided by science.
References
- Blume-Peytavi, U., Gloor, M., Kunte, C., & Schäfer, T. (2024). Impact of preservatives in leave-on cosmetics on the facial skin microbiome: a randomized comparative study. Microorganisms, 12(2), 311. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020311
- Ayehunie, S., Landry, T., Stevens, K. A., & Klausner, M. (2021). Disruption of skin microbiome by common preservatives: a 3D reconstructed human skin model study. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 14587. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94079-5
- Dréno, B., Araviiskaia, E., Berardesca, E., Gontijo, G., Sanchez Viera, M., & Xia, L. (2022). Skin microbiome changes following daily use of cosmetic products: a longitudinal cohort analysis. Microorganisms, 10(4), 820. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10040820