Are you ready to use paraben-free products?

After nearly a century of paraben use, are consumers ready to switch to paraben-free products? Or is there no reason to do it at all?

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is commonly found in soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, makeup, lipstick, lotions, sunscreens, deodorants, toothpastes, among others. It has been in use since the 1920s.

If it’s so common and has been used for a long time, why are paraben-free products suddenly popping up in the health and beauty industry?

In a study in the UK, it was found that in 20 women with breast tumors, 18 had traces of parabens. Although there was no conclusion linking parabens to tumors, it was also found that paraben use, even in small amounts, seems to accumulate in the body over a period of time.

Parabens have also been identified as endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is a system of glands that produce hormones that help control the body’s metabolic activity. Parabens absorbed into the body were found to exhibit characteristics similar to those of the female hormone estrogen. There have been studies linking estrogen to tumor formation.

Despite all these studies linking parabens to possible tumor formation, it has yet to be clearly established. However, some would not wait for the experts to conclude positively, as it may be too late for the user of the product. Due to this, people are looking for alternatives.

Paraben-free products are certainly an alternative. But what are they really?

Paraben has many derivatives. They are also called butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and parahydroxybenzoate. Therefore, a product without parabens must be free of any of these derivatives mentioned.

How good is the alternative? One of the alternatives is phenoxyethanol, which is an organic chemical compound used in dermatological products. Other alternatives are grapefruit seed extract, grape seed extract, or tocopherol.

Compared to parabens, these alternatives are more expensive for manufacturers and can have a shorter shelf life for products.

However, on the plus side, there are no negative health concerns associated with paraben-free products. Rather, only healthy benefits are reported from using natural organic products, not to mention that organic is better for the environment.

In conclusion, the choice remains with the consumer. One can always continue using paraben-containing products until the Food and Drug Authority says otherwise. However, one can simply weigh the cost and benefits of using an organic, all-natural product that has immediate health benefits for the consumer and the environment.