What are natural skin care products? Are they preservative-free?

Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D.No one is really sure what constitutes a natural skin care product, since all ingredients are natural to the earth! For all practical purposes, the term natural is marketing gibberish and can mean whatever the consumer envisions. However, there is a new trend toward home made or freshly made skin care products. Moisturizers and cleansers are manufactured in small quantities and sold fresh, without preservatives. Of course, they must be used in one week or can be refrigerated for short periods. Without preservatives, skin care products would need to purchased and handled like unpreserved milk or fresh fruits. Preservatives allow consumers to use and store skin care products for extended periods.