We are not born allergic, we become allergic !

Despite all the care taken in choosing “quality cosmetics,” more and more of us* can no longer tolerate the products we once used daily.


This is the result of repeated skin exposure to controversial (or not) ingredients that form the basis of traditional cosmetic formulations: texturizing agents, colorants, fragrances, and preservatives.


“All preservatives show a significant degree of toxicity.”

— Prof. C. Baudouin, Ophthalmologist (Paris)


“Preservatives are the second leading cause of contact allergies after fragrances.”

— Dr. E. Collet, Dermatologist/Allergist (Dijon)

Why preservative-free?

Rich in water and organic matter, cosmetic products are particularly vulnerable to microbiological contamination, especially due to prolonged use and repeated handling.

Their stability can also be compromised by environmental factors such as oxidation.

As a result, preservatives have long been considered an essential component of cosmetic formulations. The most common include parabens, benzoic or sorbic acid salts, benzalkonium chloride, and chlorobutanol.

Many studies highlight the cytotoxic effects of preservatives, particularly when used over the long term.

In recent years, controversy surrounding these ingredients has driven the development of preservative-free formulations (1).

We should also note the presence of alcohols, which can be drying, as well as certain plant compounds and fragrances that may trigger allergies, irritation, or eczema.

Our findings

For a long time, we have been convinced in ophthalmology of the long-term harmful effects of preservatives.

And what is true for the cornea of the eye is equally true for the stratum corneum of the skin.

In fact, there are even more dermatology studies than ophthalmology ones to support this.

“Preservatives are the second leading cause of allergies after fragrances.” ( Dr. E. Collet, Dermatologist/Allergist (Dijon)).

They are responsible for irritation and contact eczema.

Every component of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product and especially preservatives can trigger an immediate (type I) allergic reaction.

Clarté products

It is important to note that the preservatives currently authorized are not harmful to health.

However, they can cause well-known side effects and hypersensitivity reactions when applied to reactive skin.

With this in mind, we developed our preservative-free products, just as Horus Pharma had already done for its eyelid care products.

Moreover, numerous studies highlight the cumulative effects of these preservatives over the long term.

Finally, it is worth noting that well-tolerated and stable products derived from chemical synthesis are preferable to so-called “natural” products that may be allergenic.

This is the stance we have chosen.

Discover our products

SOURCES

(1) Papageorgiou S, Varvaresou A, Tsirivas E, Demetzos C. New alternatives to cosmetics preservation. J Cosmet Sci. 2010 Mar-Apr;61(2):107-23
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(2) Geier J, Lessmann H, Dickel H, Frosch PJ, Koch P, Becker D, Jappe U, Aberer W, Schnuch A, Uter W. Patch test results with the metalworking fluid series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG). Contact Dermatitis. 2004 Sep;51(3):118-30
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(3) Morton WE. Occupational phenoxyethanol neurotoxicity: a report of three cases. J Occup Med. 1990 Jan;32(1):42-5
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