There is a widespread, and dangerous, misconception that all preservatives are bad. The truth is, if you put water-based ingredients into a container, they will grow mold, yeast, and bacteria, usually within days. If a product claims to be "preservative-free" but contains water or hydrous materials, it is either lying or is a breeding ground for harmful microbes like Staph and E. coli that can cause serious skin infections.

At Archwood, product safety is non-negotiable. We tackle this by using only Eco-cert approved preservatives. These are natural and naturally derived compounds approved by the world’s leading organic certification body. Unlike controversial synthetics like parabens or formaldehyde-releasers, Eco-cert preservatives (such as Radish Root Ferment Filtrate or naturally derived Propanediol) are non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and highly effective. They are essential for protecting the integrity of our ingredients and, more importantly, protecting your skin from the harmful bacteria that can flourish in natural formulations. We preserve purity, without compromising our commitment to clean-label ingredients.