Parabens in skincare products have been a controversy for quite a while now. Parabens are chemical compounds used as a preservative for food, skincare, and cosmetics. For skincare and makeup, parabens are synthetically made to help these products have a longer shelf life otherwise they are more susceptible to bacterial and fungi growth, which contaminates products. Parabens are found in almost every product from toothpaste to deodorant to cosmetics to moisturizers! Common paraben names on the ingredients list include methyl, ethyl, butyl, isopropyl, propyl, and isobutylparaben. Where did the concern of parabens stem from?
Well according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, some lab tests have shown a link between parabens and certain cancers, specifically breast cancer due to parabens copying the female sex endocrine hormone, estrogen, through a process called endocrine disruption. This process may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer but it is a heatedly debated topic. The FDA and European Commission believe parabens are safe enough to use in foods and cosmetics (though methyl is banned in Europe due to its toxicity), and the CIR believes they’re safe for use when the paraben concentration level is under 25 percent.
Certain parabens have been known to irritate very sensitive skin and has been thought to be the leading cause of dermatitis and other skin related issues. Those with severe allergies may notice some relief if they cut out the majority of skincare products with parabens. Parabens can also seep into your bloodstream once soaked into your skin. Unfortunately parabens are found in everything from the food we eat to the water we drink so it’s important to be pro-active in learning what to use and not use without becoming neurotic about it. Simply eliminating skincare and makeup with parabens and choosing organic foods when possible can make a world of difference .
Many skincare and cosmetic companies are strictly paraben-free and the makeup seems to last a long time without the need of parabens. Honestly, no one should own or use makeup or skincare if it’s more than a year old anyways! A large build-up of dirt and oils will definitely contribute to negligent skincare if you are using old makeup or skincare! It’s also beneficial to use products that are hypoallergenic because they tend to be more gentle on sensitive skin. Make simple changes to your lifestyle and eliminate certain paraben-induced products when possible and we at Acne Skin Site know your body will thank you!
I always look for paraben-free makeup, skincare products and food. I need to watch what I topically put on my skin because it’s very sensitive and breaks out with many ingredients. I have noticed that now that I pay attention to what I put on my face, I can tell which products cause my skin to get hives and cut them out, helping my skin majorly. It would be wonderful if all makeup and skincare products were paraben-free.
Can you recommend a cosmetic company that makes Paraben free make-up and skin products.
Some, if not all, of Kiehl’s skincare products are paraben-free.
thank you for this article ..we would like to crrdit you and recreate this for our blog .. We are a Paraben Free skincare & spa products company for children’s ..we love sharing your mask on our facebook page ..thank you !!
I am surprised at how this Paraben phobia has swooped the world in the past few years.
Some site even claim that paraben is soaked by the skin and causes cancer specifically breast cancer.
If it is so then if someone else puts on a large amount of paraben product like a chemical sunblock and then jumps in a pool, the chances of it diluting in the water and effecting other are high …or not?
And what about soaps and body washes, when we are taking warm shower and our pores are more susceptible of in taking the paraben in these products…?
Also you wrote The FDA and European Commission believe parabens are safe enough to use in foods and cosmetics (though methyl is banned in Europe due to its toxicity), and the CIR believes they’re safe for use when the paraben concentration level is under 25 percent.”
Well the nivea products originated from EUROPE but they still contain methyl paraben and it doesnt mention in what percentage in the ingredients’ list.
Can you please clarify? Why are they still using it in products like Nivea or Johnson’s baby products if they are so harmful ?