Cosmetic preservatives are second only to fragrances as the most common cause of skin reactions, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. But preservatives are necessary components of most personal-care products, says Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Preservatives are there not only to keep the makeup fresh on the shelf, but also to prevent you from contaminating the product,” Draelos says. Read the rest of this entry »