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Why parabens in cosmetics are actually safe. Why are parabens dangerous?

For many years, there has been a debate about how harmful the paraben, which is found in cosmetics, is for human health. Some manufacturers are trying to find an alternative, others continue to use this ingredient. Is paraben a health hazard or a common supplement? Oddly enough, there are simply no laws prohibiting its use.

Paraben- what is it

Paraben is a chemical substance. Due to the fact that it has antifungal and antibacterial properties, cosmetics manufacturers use it extensively during the manufacture of their products. In addition, paraben can also be found in certain foods and medicines.

An interesting fact is that this substance was found in nature. Namely, in plants and blueberries. But the paraben in question is produced exclusively by synthetic means. It is very easy to determine its presence in cosmetics.

Parabens - List:

  • methyl;
  • butyl;
  • cut;
  • isobutyl;
  • isopropyl.

Seeing these names, you can be sure that the cream or shampoo contains parabens.

Danger of substance

Since 2004, studies have begun on this substance and facts have been published that proved its danger.

What is the danger:

  • Parabens, by the way they act, have an estrogenic effect. Therefore, the use of cosmetics that contain this substance is categorically contraindicated for some categories of citizens. This is especially true for pregnant women. Excessive amounts of estrogen can lead to impaired fetal development and future reproductive capacity.
  • When parabens accumulate in the body, the risk of developing cancer of the uterus, breast, and testis (in men) increases.
  • The substance enhances the negative effects of sunlight. When exposed to ultraviolet light, DNA can be damaged and the aging process of the skin accelerates. It turns out that you put on a moisturizing cream, but in the end you get a completely different result.
  • Skin irritation and allergic reactions are possible.

However, it is worth noting that opinions differ. Someone thinks that the best cosmetics are paraben-free cosmetics, others are not afraid of anything. After all, all the harmful effects of the substance have not yet been officially proven.

The benefits of parabens

  • Sulfates and parabens are the most effective substances when it comes to extending the shelf life of a cosmetic.
  • They are quickly absorbed in the body.

Despite the positive aspects, cosmetologists do not recommend using creams and shampoos that contain paraben for a long time.

Designations in cosmetology

Handmade cosmetics are very popular today. There is no doubt that it is the most effective and safest for the skin. However, when girls do not have the time or opportunity to make the cream on their own, they go to the store.

Notation:

  • Ordinary parabens are E218, E214, E216, E214, E219.
  • Specific parabens are benzylparaben, sodium salts, isobutylparaben.

By the way, sometimes decorative cosmetics also contain these substances. Therefore, be extremely careful before purchasing any skin remedy for yourself.

Alternative remedies

Large cosmetic companies are now constantly looking for a remedy that will serve as an alternative to paraben. However, at the moment, no substance with the same properties has been found.

Decorative cosmetics also contain them in their composition, because it is the best preservative among all that prevents the growth of bacteria.

It is worth noting the fact that not only parabens are scary. Essential oils and alcohol can also be harmful. They greatly dry out the skin, which contributes to the deterioration of its condition.

It is simply impossible to produce cosmetics without preservatives. There is only one way out - to completely change the entire production system and use innovative technologies. However, this requires a lot of investment, and beauty companies simply cannot afford it.

What cosmetics to use

If you want to use the safest products for your skin, then the best option would be.Although you can find the best option in the store, if you take a good look at the composition. Please note that vitamins C and E, tea tree oil, eucalyptus or propolis must be present. There are also disadvantages. Such cosmetics cannot be used longer than 2-3 weeks, then it simply loses its properties.

Paraben - what is it, how to get around it? Probably not at the moment. As you can see, if you buy a natural skin cream, it has a short shelf life, so it is not very profitable. Not every woman has the opportunity to renew her cosmetics every few weeks.

Cosmetics "Paraben Free": believe it or not

Very often on the shelves in stores you can find cosmetics with very tempting inscriptions that scream that there is no paraben in the composition. Is this really true? As mentioned above, no alternative to this substance has been found.

Therefore, if you see a paraben-free shampoo, you should not immediately believe that this is really so. Manufacturers in this case act very cunningly. They just change the name of the substance. If you are not an avid chemist, then do not even pay attention to this. For example, it can be written that the composition contains methyl paraoxybenzoate. In fact, it is nothing more than methylparaben.

Should you trust organic cosmetics?

Parabens, the harm they cause to the skin, have scared modern women so much that some have switched to using organic cosmetics. Few people understand that this is not an option at all.

Remember, in any cosmetics that are sold in the store there is at least a little paraben, but there is. Its addition as an ingredient is simply necessary for the reason that it keeps the funds longer. Imagine how quickly cosmetics companies would go bankrupt if they used only natural ingredients in their production.

If the cosmetics say that it is organic or natural, it just means that the proportion of paraben in it is lower than usual. But do not forget that this affects the shelf life. For this reason, carefully look at what is written on the package before buying yourself a shampoo, cream or something else.

Absolutely every girl and not only use cosmetics. Shampoos, creams are simply necessary tools in the arsenal of any person. Of course, I want them to be as effective as possible and contain the minimum amount of chemicals. There is always a way out of the situation, below are some useful tips that will allow you to stay beautiful and at the same time not harm your skin.

Helpful hints:

  • If you buy cosmetics in a store, always look at the composition. You can use paraben products if its percentage is no more than 0.18.
  • Do not apply the cream on your skin in too hot weather, because parabens work well with the sun. Better get yourself a soap with tar - this is the best protection for your skin. Regular washing will improve your complexion and get rid of unwanted acne. In addition, this soap does not dry out.
  • Try to do your makeup at home whenever possible. Let it be a cream or shampoo. You will know exactly what has been added to it and that there is no chemistry there. Also, when it comes to shampoo, making it at home has many advantages. Most importantly, you can create a product that is perfect for your hair type.
  • Add lemon and tea tree oil to your home cosmetics.
  • Store purchased creams in the refrigerator so that they do not expire earlier than necessary. This is especially true for the summer time period.
  • Always look at the packaging to ensure the expiration date. Do not use cosmetics after this period has come to an end.

Is paraben a harmful additive to cosmetics or just a necessary ingredient? We will not get the answer to this question soon. Follow these helpful skin care tips to keep you looking young and beautiful.

Parabens
Parabens are getting a lot now. If you see the following names on the label: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, then these are all parabens too. Why are they allowed in cosmetics? These are very effective preservatives, they kill bacteria, prevent the formation of fungus in the cosmetic product, which can damage the skin. But what's so disliked about parabens lately? These preservatives are made from benzoic acid (a substance that many plants contain), and this acid causes hormonal disorders as well as cancer.

Sounds scary, agree. But there is good news as well. Although benzoic acid is a substance with very high estrogenic activity (which causes changes at the hormonal level), it can become dangerous to humans only in very large doses. In cosmetics, the concentration of parabens is not high enough to cause hormonal problems. In addition, if most plants contain this substance, then, you must admit, almost all natural plants become dangerous. But for some reason no one talks about this. As for the fact that parabens provoke cancer, the scientific community has recently debunked studies that found a link between parabens and oncology. The European Union's Scientific Committee recently released clarifications on the use of parabens in cosmetics. It says that "the health effects of the parabens contained in can be called negligible." The committee concluded that only about 1% of the parabens contained in cosmetics can enter our bodies. This is an insignificant amount that cannot cause fatal destruction.

There remain only concerns about whether the parabens were really put into the cream not so critically. With this, the issue is resolved as follows: in the list of constituents of the remedy, parabens should be at the very end of the list, which means that they are in small concentrations. If parabens are closer to the top of the list, this is a reason to think.

And one more circumstance. The cream cannot be without preservatives at all. And the negligible effect of parabens on the body and skin is much less dangerous than the effects of bacteria, fungus and infections that can appear in a cream without preservatives.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
This component has good cleansing properties. And the main complaints about SLS are that it irritates the skin, causes hair loss and even cancer. Are they justified?

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a very irritating ingredient for the skin. This has been proven by scientists. And when they want to show how irritating a substance under study is, they often compare the score to SLS. Products with sodium lauryl sulfate cause a negative skin reaction and therefore can only be present in rinsed products. The permissible concentration of a substance in cosmetics, which will not cause changes on the skin, is no more than 1%. Although, is it worth the risk? Quite a few other less irritating cleansing ingredients have been invented now. By the way, other sodium sulfates are less irritating to the skin and are much softer and safer.

As for other claims about SLS, there is no evidence or scientific research that this ingredient can cause (hair loss) and cancer.

Mineral oil
Natural cosmetics proponents believe this ingredient should be avoided at all costs, as mineral oils are derived from petroleum. What's so dangerous about that?

In fact, the claim that mineral oils are not natural is a bit dubious. After all, the oil from which they are obtained is a completely natural substance. Plus, mineral oils don't mean you will be putting pure oil on your face. These are two different things!

It should also be said that there are several types of petroleum products. And the one used in cosmetics is safe. There is no evidence that mineral oils cause cancer. What mineral oils can do for the skin is to create a good protective barrier that prevents irritation and slows down the loss of moisture. And the only negative point can be called the fact that mineral oils can provoke the appearance of acne, since they clog the pores somewhat. Although at the same time they sufficiently moisturize the skin and make it soft.

Silicones
Silicones are used very often in cosmetics. This is, in fact, the life-saving ingredient that provides the products with good glide on the skin, makes the texture of the cosmetics soft and silky. Silicones are often labeled as dimethicone and cyclomethicone. In addition, silicones form a protective barrier for the skin, keeping it hydrated. But it is precisely because of this protective barrier that silicones have come to be called a comedogenic ingredient, and all the criticism of silicones refers to its properties.

However, it is not comedogenic! It does indeed form a protective barrier that not only blocks the penetration of certain cosmetic ingredients into the skin, but also dirt, among other things. Most people perceive silicones and do not react in any way to their content in cosmetics. And just a little annoyance is a possible side effect. For the rest, silicone in cosmetics is not dangerous.

Petrolatum
Vaseline (Petrolatum or Vaseline) has its own bad name, like mineral oils, mainly due to the fact that it is derived from petroleum. And the European Union has banned most petroleum products in cosmetics because they cause cancer.

However, most likely, this prohibition does not apply to petroleum jelly, since there are a sufficient number of creams from European manufacturers with petroleum jelly in the composition. Regarding the link between petroleum jelly and cancer, I have not been able to find any serious and scientific evidence of this. Petroleum jelly is still a good moisturizer and probably the most affordable moisturizer. It also reduces skin inflammation and even heals often.

Propylene glycol
Propylene Glycol is needed in cosmetics as a moisturizing component. It can draw moisture from the environment and deliver it to the skin. It also helps deliver the other active ingredients found in creams and serums to the skin. Why do we now sometimes hear about the bad reputation of this "magic" ingredient?

Opponents say propylene glycol is dangerous because it causes liver and kidney problems and cancer. But again it is worth pondering, is this so?

Indeed, propylene glycol is essentially an antifreeze, an unhealthy, cancer-causing product. But only the antifreeze that is said to be harmful is propylene glycol in 100% concentration. And in cosmetics, such a component is contained in scanty doses (usually less than 5%). These concentrations are not hazardous. You will also be reassured by the fact that propylene glycol is not included in the list of carcinogenic substances, which is registered by the European Parliament.

Talc
Talc (or hydrous magnesium silicate) is a mineral used in cosmetic products to enhance the appearance of products. It also has moisture absorbing properties.

In 1990, a study was published that concluded that there was a link between talc and ovarian cancer (although the researchers then said that the experiments were not final and the tests would continue). In general, it turns out that talc can still really be called an incompletely studied ingredient for internal organs, so if you have concerns, then do not use talcum-containing intimate hygiene products. Although, it may be worth being more careful when using any talcum-based cosmetics.

The modern cosmetics industry is a colossal multi-billion dollar business that brings enormous benefits and profits to its owners. For cosmetics to sell well, they must not only be effective and look attractive, but also have a sufficiently long shelf life. For this, special substances are added to it - preservatives. The most famous and popular of these are parabens.

This word hides a whole group of chemicals that have a pronounced antifungal and antibacterial effect. They inhibit the growth of a variety of microorganisms, thus protecting the product from spoilage and decomposition. Parabens are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Many buyers of cosmetics are interested in what they are - parabens, and how they can affect their health. Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Currently, all these substances are produced artificially for the needs of the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries.

What are they needed for

Since all cosmetics contain water or concentrates and extracts from plants, animal fat and vegetable oils, as well as active additives, it can easily turn sour, bitter or disintegrate under the influence of heat and light. In order for all beauty products to be preserved for a long time and not to lose their appearance, smell and properties, parabens are needed in the composition of cosmetics.

These substances do not allow microflora to develop in it and adversely affect the condition of the skin, hair or nails. Parabens are not toxic, and their harmful effect has not been scientifically proven at the present time.

If preservatives were not added to cosmetics, it would be stored for no more than a few days, and even then in the refrigerator. Even natural cosmetics contain preservatives, but of natural origin, for example, grapefruit seed extract. But this is a very expensive substance that significantly increases the cost of such cosmetics. In addition, it is contraindicated for people with a tendency to allergies. Parabens, on the other hand, rarely cause negative reactions and can only harm people with increased skin reactivity.

Some types of such substances, for example, sodium salts of parabens, such as the additive E17, are used to ensure that the active or base substance of the drug dissolves well in the liquid.

How to find out about the presence in the composition

According to the legislation of most countries, its composition must be indicated on the packaging of a cosmetic product. Thus, you can find out what is included in your chosen product and whether it will be safe for your health and beauty. However, you need to know how various substances are designated, because parabens are a collective name for a whole group of chemical preservatives.

Note! Very often, the manufacturer does not indicate the full name of the paraben used, but only indicates the additive code, denoted by the letter E and a numerical combination.

It is worth remembering a list of the most commonly used parabens:

  • Methylparaben - E218.
  • Ethylparaben - E214.
  • Propylparaben - E216.
  • Butylparaben.
  • Isobutylparaben.
  • Isopropylparaben.
  • Benzylparaben.
  • Heptylparaben - E209.

The listed names do not mean that the entire list of parabens will be found in a particular cosmetic product. The composition and amount of preservatives is different in products for different purposes. They are least needed in products with dry textures such as eyeshadow, powder and blush. Parabens are most commonly used in products with a greasy or liquid texture containing many active or rapidly disintegrating components. Most often these are lipsticks, foundations and bases, creamy shadows, blush and highlighters, creams, shampoos and hair masks.

Different products contain different concentrations of parabens. It depends on the level of cosmetics and the policy of the company that produces it.

Note! Least of all preservatives in organic and natural cosmetics, which determines its short shelf life and use after opening the package.

The use of parabens in cosmetics has been suspected since scientists and doctors discovered that breast cancer contains a higher percentage of these substances than healthy tissue. Presumably, the preservatives got into the chest from the deodorants used by the woman.

However, parabens can also penetrate from shower gels, face and body creams, scrubs, and other ready-to-use cosmetics. At the same time, there is no evidence that parabens are also found in oncological tumors with a different localization in the body.

Note! To date, there is no conclusive evidence of a causal relationship between the use of parabens in cosmetics and the occurrence of breast cancer.

However, many manufacturers are trying to reduce the amount of parabens and are gradually phasing out their use, as consumers have begun to avoid purchasing such cosmetics.

Content

Parabens are chemical esters of para-benzoic acid. They have antifungal and antibacterial properties, as a result of which they are widely used in food, medicines, cosmetics, as preservatives. Some esters are natural, they are found in plants, in particular, methylparaben was found in blueberries as an antimicrobial component.

The so-called "commercial" parabens, which are of interest to us at the moment, are already produced chemically, by the method of esterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid with certain alcohols.

Over the past decade, there has been a constant debate about whether parabens, which are found in cosmetics, are harmful. Someone claims that they cause significant harm, but there is not a single regulation that would prohibit their use. Modern large cosmetics manufacturers are trying to find a way to exclude these ingredients from their products, while smaller ones are looking for a replacement.

What should ordinary consumers do? Is their presence in the composition of cosmetics acceptable, and in what quantity?
Should you avoid parabens and use only organic cosmetics, or ignore existing negative opinions and continue using your usual products? The EU countries have regulated the presence of esters in cosmetics (creams, gels, shampoos) in special directives: propyl -, methyl -, butyl -, ethyl parabens, isopropyl and isobutyl are allowed to be used in certain quantities: 0.4%, if this is the only paraben in the composition product, and 0.8% if a mixture is used. Although, many experts argue that in most cases, a concentration of 0.19% will be more than enough.

What is the danger?

Since about 2004, there have been many facts, both reliable and not very reliable, that parabens are “endocrine disruptors”. This applies most of all to two types: propyl and butyl parabens. Numerous studies carried out have forced the European Committee of Consumer Safety to put forward requirements to reduce the above-mentioned permitted concentrations of parabens by half.

Parabens are similar in their action to estrogens, they have mild estrogenic actions. Therefore, they should be treated with caution in people who are contraindicated in estrogen. This is especially true for women in position Butyl-, isobutyl-, propyl-, ethyl and methylparabens have a particularly pronounced estrogen-like effect.

Some experts partially refute this fact, arguing that parabens can become an estrogen mimic only if they enter the body with food, metabolizing and losing their etheric structure. When parabens accumulate in the body, they affect hormonal balance and may increase the risk of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer in women, and cancer of the seminal glands in men. Particular attention was drawn to this danger after the detection of a high concentration of parabens in breast cancer. However, no direct link has been found between the consumption of paraben-containing foods and the development of cancer.

Another negative quality: parabens enhance the negative effect of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. This is especially true of methylparaben: when applied to the skin, it interacts with ultraviolet light, accelerates the aging process of the skin and can even damage DNA. When used topically, parabens can cause various skin irritations and allergic dermatitis.

Are they so harmful?

On the other hand, official science claims that parabens are rapidly absorbed, metabolized and excreted from the human body, they are practically non-toxic. People with normal and healthy skin do not suffer from irritation or discomfort, except for the rare paraben allergy.

In addition, parabens are the most effective preservative that will ensure long-term storage of a cosmetic product, eliminating the violation of their properties and qualities.

Naturally, abuse is always fraught. Frequent and long-term use of cosmetics, such drugs or products, causes frightening prognosis.
How do you know if a product contains parabens?

Parabens are found in almost all cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, as well as in many foods. They owe such popularity to their main property: parabens prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying. In the production of cosmetics, one cannot do without preservatives, in principle. In addition, parabens are not the only ones that are dangerous. The same essential oils or alcohols, which could play the role of a preservative, have major drawbacks: for example, they severely dry the skin and cause allergies.

The only way out is to create a new system for the production and preservation of cosmetics at all stages: from the production of a plant extract to the production of a finished cosmetic product. Only the largest manufacturers can do this, only they will be able to find the necessary funds for the transition to the latest technologies. It is worth it, as consumers are increasingly interested in the composition of the purchased cosmetics. So, over the past year, in Europe, for example, consumers began to be interested in the composition of a cosmetic product by 20% more.

Is there a replacement?

Scientific laboratories of the largest manufacturers of cosmetics are looking for a product designed to replace parabens, but so far these searches have not been crowned with success.

If you do not want or are afraid to use cosmetics with parabens, you can purchase cosmetics with plant preservatives: vitamins C and E, propolis, bird cherry or birch leaf extract, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil. Using such cosmetics, you need to remember that its shelf life is only two to three weeks, and it is stored only in the refrigerator.

What is paraben-free?

The word “paraben-free” on the cosmetic means no parabens. But is it really so? Discussions about their harmfulness are forcing many cosmetic manufacturers to resort to various tricks to reassure the consumer. On modern cosmetics there is an inscription "paraben-free", which is designed to convince more scrupulous buyers that there are no parabens in this product.

In this case, it would be correct to say that the creators of cosmetics did not replace parabens, but simply renamed the same components. Thus, methylparaben was renamed methyl paraoxybenzoate, ethylparaben - ethyl paraoxybenzoate, propylparaben - into propyl paraoxybenzoate, and so on. That is, judging by the inscription, there are no components in the cosmetic product, in fact, it is simply slightly modified.

With regard to organic or natural cosmetics, you should be more careful about such terms. They do not have an official status in all countries, and do not represent the manufacturer's advertising ploy, but the actual characteristics of the product.

The content of the article:

In the modern world, almost every woman and girl regularly uses cosmetics and personal care products. Our morning begins with cosmetic procedures and our day ends with them. But not every one of us thinks about what we put on the skin and what effect our favorite cosmetics have on it, including substances such as parabens.

What are parabens

The ancestor of all parabens is benzoic acid, which has been used for over 400 years. In the 16th century, it was first isolated from benzoic gum and used in the process of preserving fruit. Thanks to the scientist from Germany, Justus von Liebig, in 1832 the structure of benzoic acid was determined, and 43 years later Ernst Leopold Salkovsky, a German physiologist, in addition to antimicrobial function, also discovered antifungal function. By the way, acetylsalicylic acid, which is also aspirin, was invented on the basis of salicylic (hydroxybenzoic) acid. Since 1925, parabens have been taking part in the process of preserving products, their effect is very high, compared to benzoic and salicylic acids, it's all about high efficiency and low concentration of use.

Throughout the entire existence of parabens, there are disputes about their dangers in the composition of cosmetics. Despite this, it is impossible to find even one law or regulation prohibiting their use. If large corporations are trying to find a solution by minimizing preservatives in their products, then small businesses are more likely to be looking for an alternative.

How can we - daily users - be afraid of parabens and make natural cosmetics at home? Or ignore scientific hypotheses and without fear continue to use the usual means?

Types of parabens


Parabens are not an invention of scientists, but are natural substances that are found in a wide variety of plants. Benzoic acid, for example, is abundant in cranberries and lingonberries, which is used in herbal medicine as antimicrobial agents, in some situations it is used by patients with kidney disease. For the treatment of wounds and burns, willow bark is used, which contains hydroxybenzoic (salicylic) acid. In blueberries, you can easily find methylparaben, which is assigned the role of antimicrobial agent. And this is not the whole list of natural parabens.

Synthetic parabens are often included in products with a high aqueous phase. For example, purchased cakes and cakes, as well as bread and butter, contain methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. Under E218, E214, E216 are hidden preservatives that lengthen the shelf life of products, thanks to this content, sauces, mayonnaises and ketchups can be stored in the refrigerator for much longer than a few days.

Parabens are widely incorporated into products by cosmetic companies. Shampoos, shower gels, shaving gels, conditioners, toothpastes, deodorants, masks, creams, decorative cosmetics, etc. - they all contain components that prevent delamination and unusability. The complete absence of preservatives in cosmetics of a decorative and medicinal nature is impossible.

The concentration of parabens can vary depending on the shelf life of the product and the form of release. For example, parabens are rarely found in aerosol deodorants, since the cylinders are hermetically sealed, which means they do not really need preservatives, which cannot be said about dry deodorants, which contain the most parabens, because they are more active than others in contact with air. A similar situation is observed with deocrems squeezed out of the tube. Roll-ons to neutralize sweat odor occupy an intermediate cell in terms of paraben content - between aerosol cans and dry sticks.

The primacy in the use of parabens is given to the pharmaceutical industry, which presents for sale liquid dosage forms (drops, tinctures, syrups, etc.), soft dosage forms (ointments, gels, suppositories, etc.), gelatin capsules and even materials for dressings. Just remember the "talkers" that could be bought at the pharmacy only with a prescription and which were marked with a shelf life of just a couple of days. With parabens, however, as with other preservatives, products would not spoil so quickly.

Parabens are classified into the following types:

  • Ordinary - methylparaben (E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216), butylparaben, benzylparaben.
  • Specific - isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts.
In addition, preservatives also carry such names as para-hydroxybenzoates, propagin, metagin, hydroxybenzoic, hydroxybenzoic acids, etc.

The danger of parabens


Everything related to the composition of cosmetics has always caused a storm of bewilderment, and parabens were no exception. Even in their relatively short history in the field of cosmetology, which is only a couple of decades, their reputation has been repeatedly damaged. So in 2004, British scientists conducted a series of studies, the result of which was the conclusion that preservatives are endowed with the ability to accumulate in the tissues of the mammary gland. Parabens were found in 18 out of 20 breast cancer samples. The work of scientists did not prove that these substances stimulate the development of the disease, but still the result of the study itself was not so comforting, and persecution began against parabens. 6 years after the study, the Scientific Committee on Mass Consumption Products of the European Union stated that there are no sufficient reasons to assert about the dangers of propyl- and butylporaben, but their number in the formulation of products should definitely be reduced from 0.8 to 0.19%. In March 2011, Denmark became the first country to ban both of these parabens in products for children under 3 years of age. Not only that, many deodorant and antiperspirant companies have removed these preservatives from their formulation.

Scientists warn that parabens are similar in effect to estrogens, which means, to whom estrogen is contraindicated (primarily, pregnant women) should be careful about using a product with parabens in the composition. Butyl-, isobutyl-, propyl-, methylparaben are noted with a pronounced extragen-like effect. There is a fact that a preservative is an estrogen imitator only after it enters the body with food.

Women who care about the condition of their skin try not to sunbathe in the sun too much, because direct sunlight is the enemy of the youthfulness of the skin. Studies have shown that methylparaben applied to the epidermis has a detrimental effect on the surface, enhancing the effect of ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, a preservative can not only accelerate the aging process of the skin, but also damage DNA, cause allergic reactions, irritation and inflammation. If the body contains a large amount of parabens, this can lead to hormonal imbalances, as well as an increased risk of getting cancers of the reproductive system. It is worth noting that all this information requires further confirmation or refutation by scientists. So far, it has been officially announced that parabens are quickly absorbed, but also quickly excreted from the body. When it comes to cosmetics, then in the case of a normal type of skin, parabens are practically harmless.

What can replace parabens


If you have a question about an alternative to parabens, you should be aware that you are not the only one, specialists of large cosmetic corporations in the world are solving this problem. True, they have not yet come up with a replacement for a preservative similar in properties to parabens, which miraculously prevent the growth of bacteria. If you use alcohol or essential oils as a preservative, another problem may arise - excessive dryness of the skin, the appearance of allergic reactions. In any case, the production of cosmetics is not carried out without the use of preservatives.

If we are already talking about alternatives to the use of parabens, formalin should be mentioned, one of the first preservatives used by representatives of the cosmetic business. Formalin belongs to a number of cheap substances, it is noted for its excellent antiseptic properties, it allows preserving not only the product itself, but also the gas phase under it, due to its volatility. All these advantages are offset by the toxicity of formaldehyde and the extent to which it is carcinogenic, this preservative is banned for use in many countries, even when it comes to the manufacture of rinsed cosmetics.

It has long been used in household chemicals, as well as in cosmetics, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Their advantage, first of all, lies in their price attractiveness. It is worth noting the "new" preservatives - Biosil, Twister, until they have been studied in detail, which means it is too early to talk about any of their advantages or disadvantages.

Chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, strong preservatives that are included in a very low dosage, should be treated with caution. From using the product with these substances in the composition, allergic reactions or dermatitis may appear on the skin. True, during the study of preservatives, large concentrations of substances were taken, and not the dosage that is usually used for the manufacture of cosmetic products.

Recently, when choosing a cosmetic product, consumers are increasingly looking into the composition of the selected product, so as not to make a mistake with the purchase, which means that manufacturers should work hard to include safer substances in the formulation of products that extend the shelf life of emulsions.

If you do not want to deal with parabens, use cosmetics with vitamins E and C, extracts and propolis, instead of a preservative, essential oils are also used. Just remember, such cosmetics have a short shelf life, no more than two to three weeks, and you can store it only in a cool dark place, ideally in the refrigerator. It is impossible to completely protect yourself from parabens, because these substances can be found in food, medicines, toothpastes.

It is possible to determine whether there are parabens in cosmetics by the composition. Take a look at the list of components used to prepare the selected product, this preservative has a characteristic ending "paraben" (butylparaben, propylparaben, etc.). Try to buy products with a short shelf life in a tube or package with a dispenser.

Very often, manufacturers produce creams in jars, the chosen type of container is a "gate" for bacteria and microbes, which can lead to stratification of the consistency of the product. That is why a large dose of preservatives is added to such creams. Despite the assertions of experts that the difference in the dosage of preservatives in the products presented in jars and in tubes is minimal, it still does not hurt to play it safe.

Popular commercially available paraben-free products


There are many paraben-free products on sale, including:
  • Universal day cream for the face "AUR PLUS 5 in 1", Maurya - a product from an Indian manufacturer contains components that moisturize, slow down the aging process of the skin, and also remove harmful substances. The composition is saturated with almond oil, wheat germ oil, shea, vitamin E, Tulsi extract, etc. Volume - 50 ml, price - 410 rubles.
  • Cleansing foaming gel for oily problem skin "EFFACLAR", La Roche-Posay - has a physiological pH 5.5, does not contain parabens, alcohol, dyes, soap, developed on the basis of thermal water. The product cleanses the skin of excess sebum, impurities and makeup residues, leaving it fresh and clean. To use, lather the product in the palms of your hands with a little water and apply to the skin with gentle movements. Volume - 200 ml, cost - 859 rubles.
  • Intensive moisturizing cream "Arctic Aqua", Lumene - the product with a delicate texture allows you to balance the optimal level of moisture in the skin and provides deep hydration for a long time. The cream from the Finnish manufacturer contains the purest arctic spring water, which is enriched with minerals useful for the skin, and is used for normal and dry skin. Volume - 50 ml, price - 402 rubles.
Video review about parabens: