To Preserve or Not Preserve?

Ok ladies I need help...my question is when do you use preservatives for your mixes and what are some of the ones you use? Thanks in advance for the help. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I asked dajewel a similar question in the curlfriends thread

I have:
Tea Tree oil
Peppermint Oil
Rosemary oil

This is from wiki:
Natural food preservation
Natural substances such as salt, sugar, vinegar, alcohol, and diatomaceous earth are also used as traditional preservatives. Certain processes such as freezing, pickling, smoking and salting can also be used to preserve food. Another group of preservatives targets enzymes in fruits and vegetables that continue to metabolize after they are cut. For instance, citric and ascorbic acids from lemon or other citrus juice can inhibit the action of the enzyme phenolase which turns surfaces of cut apples and potatoes brown.

And more info:
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/preservatives.asp

tiashauntee wrote:I asked dajewel a similar question in the curlfriends thread

I have:
Tea Tree oil
Peppermint Oil
Rosemary oil

I have used the above three and Vitamin E oil. I've never had any mildew nor hairy fuzz growing in my concoctions, so I guess the preservatives worked!

Thank You Ladies [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] I really appreciate it.

I use vitamin E oil (shea butter) or the three Tia listed (aloe spritz). I always add a preservative to large batches of mixes. If I know I will use a homemade leave in within two weeks, then I may skip the preservative.