Natural preservation is often cited as effective and “safe” alternative to traditional synthetic preservative systems. However, the so-called natural preservatives bring a number of challenges. Some such as cost and limited efficacy are obvious and can be readily determined. Others including accuracy of “natural” claim, regulatory compliance, safety, composition and consistency, impact on product perfume and color, practical efficacy and even social and environmental impact of expanding supply are not so obvious. All must be understood and appropriately addressed to apply successfully this proposed alternative means of microbiological protection.