The present invention provides preservative compositions suitable for replacing, partially or in totality, conventional preservatives in skin care and hygiene cosmetic or pharmaceutical products. The preservative formulations include an organic carboxylic acid present in a concentration from about 0.01 to about 30 wt./wt. % of the formulation, an alcohol present in a concentration from about 0.01 to about 60 wt./wt. % of the formulation. The formulations include an inorganic salt present in a concentration from about 0.01 to about 80 wt./wt. % of the formulation, and a chelating agent present in a concentration from about 0.01 to about 20 wt./wt. % of the formulation.
