A preservative that is found naturally in nature, usually in balsamic resins (such as Tolu Balsam). The form used in this product is ‘natural identical’, simply because the price of extraction from a natural resin is prohibitively expensive. CIR Expert Panel: Concentration or other limitation on use for safe with qualifications conclusion: safe for use in all cosmetic formulations up to 5%, safe for use in hair dyes up to 10%