A Preservatives Is a Substance or Chemical That Is Added To Products like Food
Preservatives |
Preservatives are substances or
chemicals that are added to drugs, food products, beverages, paints, cosmetics,
and wood to prevent microbial growth and undesirable changes in physical and
chemical properties. Preservatives are classified into two types: natural and
synthetic, and both are used to improve the quality of the final product.
Natural preservatives such as antioxidants, vitamin E, rosemary extracts, and
seed extracts are abundant in nature and are frequently derived from plants.
Chemical components processed and added to the end product include benzoic
acid, sodium nitrite, sulphur dioxide, and potassium sorbate.
Antimicrobial preservatives are
preservatives that are added to finished products to inhibit the growth of
microorganisms. Antimicrobial agents commonly used as Preservatives include
benzoic acid, lactic acid, nitrate, nitrite, propionic acid, and sulfites.
Antioxidants are preservatives that are used to inhibit the oxidation process,
particularly in stored food items. Foods with a high fat content are more
likely to be damaged during the oxidation process. Antioxidants are used in
such foods to combat oxidation and significantly extend the shelf life of
packaged foods. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenoids, lutein, selenium, and
lycopene are some of the major antioxidants used as preservatives.
Types of Preservatives-
·
Natural
·
Synthetic
Basic Functions of Preservatives
·
Antimicrobials
·
Antioxidants
In the construction industry,
preservatives are widely used in wood, steel, and glass materials to enhance
their quality and increase their shelf life. Preservatives are widely used in
the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries to extend product shelf life and
improve product stability. The presence of microbes or water in the final
product causes a rapid deterioration in the quality and effectiveness of cosmetic
products. Cosmetic preservatives are used in the formulation of face masks,
sunscreens, scrubs, and lotions as antioxidants, stabilisers, and
antimicrobials. Preservatives for cosmetics are available in wet wipes, rinse
off, and leave-on forms.
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