When it comes to skincare, preservatives aren’t the first thing we think about. We usually look at the hero ingredients, the hydrators, the brighteners, the ones that promise visible change.

But preservatives quietly sit in the background, keeping everything safe. And here’s something worth knowing: not all preservatives in skincare are created equal.

Why Preservatives Matter More Than You Think

Without preservatives, that jar of moisturiser on your bathroom shelf wouldn’t last more than a few days. They prevent bacteria, mould, and yeast from growing, so every pump or scoop is as safe and effective as the first.

The Downside of Traditional Preservatives

The problem is, many traditional preservatives are very harsh and can upset the microbiome, the invisible ecosystem that plays a major role in how our skin feels and looks. Especially so during menopause, when your skin is already more vulnerable.

A New Kind of Preservative

Only two weeks ago (mid-August 2025), the next-generation preservative xoBiome® EpiProtect™, found in every Nu Allumé product, was awarded Best Functional Ingredient at the NZSCC (The New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Chemists) 2025 - Innovation Zone, right alongside some of the most iconic names in global beauty.

What Makes It Different

Instead of using strong chemicals that wipe everything out, EpiProtect™ uses a blend of gentle, multitasking ingredients. They keep the cream fresh on the shelf, but they’re also natural skin conditioners and humectants, meaning they help your skin stay hydrated.

Here’s the clever part:

• It makes the water in the cream difficult for microbes to use, so they can’t survive.
• It blocks the nutrients bacteria need to grow.
• It helps the whole formula stay smooth and stable.

And once the cream is applied to your skin, the preservative effect fades away. That means your product stays safe in the jar, but your skin’s good bacteria remain undisturbed.

In short, EpiProtect™ works twice as hard: keeping your skincare safe and stable while respecting your skin’s microbiome. That’s innovation worth celebrating.

Why This Matters for You

Every Nu Allumé formulation contains this award-winning preservative system. Because for us, preservatives should do more than protect our product, they should also help care for your skin. It’s one more way we’ve created skincare that works with your biology through menopause, not against it.

The most powerful ingredients aren’t always the ones you notice, but definitely ones you should know about.