Paraben Free Skin Products | What They Offer and What Are the Benefits
What Is Paraben?
Parabens are a family of preservatives that are frequently utilized in both cosmetic and medicinal goods. According to their chemical composition, they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Parabens are powerful preservatives that may be found in a wide variety of compositions. Bactericidal and fungicidal qualities are the primary reasons for the usage of these substances and their salts in pharmaceuticals. Paraben free skin products, on the other hand, are becoming more popular.
Shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral medications, suntan treatments, cosmetics, and toothpaste are all examples of goods that include parabens. They are also utilized in the food industry as preservatives. There has been no conclusive evidence of a causal relationship between parabens and cancer.
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Chapter 1
Paraben in Beauty Industry
In cosmetics and personal care products, parabens are a class of compounds that have been extensively employed as artificial preservatives since the 1920s. Considering that cosmetics include substances that are biodegradable, these compounds are used to prevent and inhibit the development of hazardous bacteria and mold, thereby extending the shelf life of the cosmetics product. In the case of these compounds, there is a worry since scientific studies reveal that parabens may alter hormones in the body, causing damage to fertility and reproductive organs, as well as adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes and an increased risk of cancer.
They are also capable of causing skin irritation. Furthermore, investigations have found parabens in virtually all urine samples obtained from individuals in the United States, regardless of their demographics or health status. It is clear that long-chain parabens (isobutyl-, butyl-, isopropyl- and propyl parabens) should not be used in personal care or cosmetic products due to their endocrine-disrupting properties as well as documented female and male reproductive harm, and also the potential for repeated lifelong exposure. Furthermore, items may be manufactured without the use of these substances (Paraben free skin products).
Chapter 2
What Products Contain Parabens?
When it comes to leave-on and rinse-off products, parabens are often found in products with a high-water content, such as shampoos and conditioners, which people use on a daily basis. Their antibacterial qualities are especially efficient against fungi and gram-positive bacteria, which are the most common types of bacteria. Parabens are found in a wide range of items, including moisturizers, face and skin cleansers, sunscreens, deodorants, shaving gels, toothpastes, and many more.
Through the skin, they are absorbed into the body, where they are processed and eliminated in the urine. Daily use of a product or numerous products containing parabens, on the other hand, leads in direct and continuous exposure, as shown by the virtually universal identification of parabens in biomonitoring studies.
Persistent use of cosmetics and personal care items is the most significant source of paraben exposure, as shown by research comparing paraben levels in the bodies of women, men, adolescents, and children who frequently use cosmetics with those in the control group. The levels of propylparaben in the urine of adolescent females who use makeup every day were 20 times higher than the amounts in the urine of those who never or seldom wear makeup. A significant rise in urine paraben levels has been linked to the use of several cosmetics, including body and face lotions as well as hair products, sunscreens, and makeup.
In addition, parabens may be ingested by the consumption of foods and drinks that not only contain parabens, but are also preserved with the chemicals. Propylparaben was first declared as “generally regarded as safe” in the 1970s, allowing it to be used in foods up to 0.1 percent by weight (CDC 2016). However, given the current research indicating that parabens are related with negative health impacts, this safety label is no longer valid.
Chapter 3
Side Effects of Paraben-based Skin Products
Parabens may mimic estrogen in the body and alter hormone systems, impacting male and female reproductive system function, fertility, and birth outcomes. Parabens may also cause hormonal imbalances. Parabens, which include propyl- and butylparaben, have been designated as disruptive endocrine compounds or possible endocrine-disrupting substances by the United Nations Environment Programme (U.N. Environment 2017). Butyl- and isobutylparaben have also been labeled as endocrine disruptors by the Danish Centre for Endocrine Disruptors (Danish Centre on Endocrine Disrupters 2018).
Parabens’ estrogenic effect has been shown in scientific investigations. In vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that the estrogenic potency rises with the length of the paraben, and that branching side chains boost estrogenic activity as well.
Propyl-, isopropyl-, and isobutylparabens all altered hormone signaling in animal tests, and exposure to all of these parabens and butyl parabens affected female reproductive development. Butylparaben affected male fertility in another animal investigation by reducing testosterone levels and decreasing sperm production. Butylparaben exposure during development affected both female and male reproductive systems in rats, according to Boberg (2016). At relatively modest levels of just 10 mg/kg of body weight per day, sperm count was reduced.
Reduced fertility was linked to urinary propylparaben in human studies, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers. Another human investigation found a relationship between butylparaben and total urine paraben levels and lower fertility, as measured by the duration of the menstrual cycle. Butylparaben levels in the mother’s urine and cord blood were linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery and a lower birth weight.
Chapter 4
Let’s Talk About Paraben Free Skin Products
As clean beauty becomes more fashionable, and organic, pesticide-free products become the norm, now is the time to pay attention to ingredient lists. Parabens are preservatives that were initially introduced to items in the 1950s and are always near the top of the “bad” list. Parabens may infiltrate the skin and fester there for years, even though they’re fantastic at extending the shelf life of your favorite skincare and beauty items.
Parabens have been linked to breast cancer and are considered to alter hormones by causing the body to overproduce estrogen. They’re also harmful to the ecosystem. Then it’s a little worrying! Rather of just being concerned about parabens, you can take action since it’s so simple now days. We’ve uncovered the paraben free skin products you need by scouring the reviews, from a paraben free face sunscreen to a paraben free moisturizer for oily skin.
It’s also crucial to remember that sunscreen is just one aspect of sun protection; extended high-risk sun exposure should be avoided, and effective sun protection requires regular reapplication or usage according to guidelines.
Chapter 5
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Use Paraben Free Skin Products
The items you use have a significant impact on the health of your skin. Products that are devoid of parabens may help you maintain the best skin possible. How would you respond if a TV ad urged you to apply chemicals and preservatives on your face every day in the name of beauty? Most likely, not so well.
Many of your favorite lotions, shampoos, and cleansers likely include parabens, which are chemical preservatives used to prevent mold and germs from forming. These substances are simple to identify since they have names like methylparaben, propylparaben, alkyl parahydroxy benzoates, and butylparaben. Although parabens are widely used, new study suggests that they may behave as a xenoestrogen in the body. This means they simulate estrogen, which has been related to hormonal imbalance and the formation of cancer cells in several studies.
They’ve also been linked to a slew of other unpleasant side effects, including brittle hair and accelerated aging. Are you wondering whether you should give up your beauty regimen or risk being ill? No! On the market, there are an increasing variety of paraben free skin products that will keep you looking great while also safeguarding your body. These goods have several advantages for both you and the environment. Let’s have a look at the top ten advantages of switching to paraben free skin products.
They Offer You the Healthier Body
Some argue that the research on the link between parabens and cancer is inconclusive. Having said that, research found that paraben was present in the tissues of 99 percent of the women who had breast cancer. The usage of parabens has been linked to both cancer and lower than normal sperm counts in males, putting them at danger as well as women. Introducing a large number of preservatives into our skin on a daily basis cannot possibly be good.
Our bodies are designed to self-cleanse and eliminate pollutants via the skin, which is the biggest organ in the body. Consumer products that include unknown chemicals, preservatives, scents, and colours may accumulate in human tissues over time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Just as we should be mindful of what we eat, we should also be mindful of the chemicals that we absorb via topical application.
They Offer Your Youthful Skin
Many of the anti-aging lotions available in shops today include a form of paraben that actually makes you seem older! This misleading chemical, known as methylparaben, has the potential to induce a decrease in collagen, a protein that accounts for a significant amount of our connective tissue. Collagen has a variety of advantages, from improving the look of young skin to alleviating joint discomfort. Olive oil facial massages, phototherapy lamps, steam treatments, drinking lots of water, and the odd egg white mask are all natural alternatives to anti-aging lotions!
They Are Allergy-free as Well!
Since the 1960s, the usage of parabens in personal care products has been associated with an increase in allergic contact dermatitis cases. Excessive itching, as well as red, blotchy areas or raised lumps on the skin, are some of the symptoms.
They Offer You Healthier Hair
When your favorite brand of shampoo runs out, you’ve most likely reached for a bottle of your “backup” shampoo stashed beneath the bathroom sink. Even though it had been there for an extended period of time, the presence of parabens ensured that it was free of mold.
Is the capacity to store beauty items for extremely extended periods of time, on the other hand, worth the potential danger? Paraben free skin products are preferable for your hair, just as they are for your skin. According to research, the use of parabens in shampoos and other cosmetic products results in the presence of the preservatives in blood and urine samples after the items have been used.
They Help Us Having Mama Earth
It should come as no surprise that parabens have a negative impact on the environment. We flush our goods down the drain at the end of each day, and the water transfers the residue of our products into the wider water supply – and ultimately into the ocean. The discovery of paraben-containing marine animals in their tissues has spurred scientists and environmentalists to question if hormonal abnormalities in sea creatures may have an impact on their general health.
Land mammals are not exempt from this trend; polar bears, sea lions, and other marine species have also been shown to have these synthetic parabens in their tissues. This is not a negligible ramification. It may be argued that every product we consume has the potential to have an adverse effect on the natural environment. It is not necessary to compromise the health of your hair in order to protect the health of the world’s seas. If you choose paraben free skin products or hair care shampoos for yourself, you are contributing to the well-being of the environment and the creatures that depend on it for survival.
Paraben Free Skin Products Butterfly Effect!
What about the entire thing about how it takes 21 days to create a new habit? Have you heard that one? In as little as a few weeks of reading the labels on cosmetic products, you may feel compelled to begin proactively studying the components in other goods you use, such as toothpaste and food. You may also want to investigate the substances in supplements and drinks. You may be surprised by what you discover: Additives, artificial colours, chemical sweeteners, and fillers may be found in practically anything that is intended for consumption or use, including food packaging.
The good news is that there are various firms and places that now cater to consumers who are seeking for paraben free skin products, organic food, and natural alternatives to conventional items. You may discover that by altering just one behavior, you are able to make better decisions in a variety of aspects of your life.
They Make You Spend Less
As you become more cautious about the items you purchase, you will most likely begin to see that you need less than you had previously thought. One of the greatest advantages of paraben free skin products is that you may avoid buying additional items containing paraben (such as cream for irritated skin) in order to cure a problem that was created by – you guessed it – paraben!!!
They Make You Consider Sustainability
Think of sustainability as a nice result of the butterfly effect, which we described earlier in this article. Companies who are concerned about what goes into their packaging are likely to put attention into the design of the packaging itself. Here’s an illustration: In the unlikely event that you have ever used a face scrub that included micro-beads, you were most certainly kneading tiny plastic beads into your skin.
When such items are flushed down the toilet, they form part of the eight million tons of plastic TRASH that reaches the seas each year. Yes, it does add up quickly. It’s definitely reasonable to expect that manufacturers that choose to replace plastic beads with biodegradable alternatives would utilize recyclable, recycled, or biodegradable packaging for their goods.
The drive to use paraben free skin products is not a one-off activity, though. Rather, it is a component of a broader campaign to promote environmentally friendly items that are beneficial to both our bodies and the environment. As a result of this, the newest trends and products in the area of sustainable beauty are being introduced on a daily basis, and a lack of options will no longer leave you feeling frustrated.
Paraben Free Skin Products Are Harmless to Kids
Checking baby shampoo for parabens, for all the reasons listed above, is a good idea. If scientists don’t yet understand possible ramifications of life-long use of these xenoestrogens, why risk it?
Paraben Free Skin Products Make You Feel Awesome
Despite the fact that we do not know the extent to which parabens are harmful to human health, the data definitely leans in the direction of this being the case. The most significant advantage of using paraben free skin products (cosmetics) may be the wonderful feeling one receives from recognizing that they have a great deal of control over what they put in and on their body.
Chapter 6
Beauty Breakdown: Paraben-free, Cruelty-free, and Gluten-free
Even now, in 2021, more than 115 million animals are utilized for animal experimentation throughout the globe. Let’s start by defining what it means to be “cruelty-free,” which includes the following: Beauty items that aren’t tested on animals are created or developed are cruelty free skin products. The use of animals in product testing is crucial here. It’s also important to note that cruelty free and vegan cosmetic products are not the same thing. Vegan beauty products do not include any ingredients derived from or produced by animals, but this does not imply that they are also cruelty free.
Wheat may be regarded healthful because of its high fiber and B vitamins, but it can be troublesome for the 1% of the population who have celiac disease and the rising gluten-intolerant population. You’ve probably heard of the famous book “Wheat Belly,” which claims that wheat may hurt your skin as well. The fact is that, due to its very high glycemic index, wheat causes greater blood sugar levels than most other carbohydrates, leading in higher insulin levels than any other meal.
Chapter 7
Top 6 Paraben Free Skin Products You Can Try in 2022
“Paraben-free” is the new term for women. We’ve all heard or read about this word, whether it was on the foundation you just purchased or from your pals. Products that claim to be paraben-free are now aplenty in the beauty market. Here are 10 paraben free skin products that Mahimo suggests!
- Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer: Plum’s mattifying moisturizer is a complete game changer. It is also free of silicone, SLS, and phthalates, in addition to parabens
- Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution: Looking for a blemish treatment that is devoid of parabens? Look no further. If you have blemished skin, this product from The Body Shop will be a godsend
- Mamaearth Bye Bye Blemishes: This lotion is designed to help you get rid of blemishes and uneven skin tone. It contains vitamin C as well as organic daisy flower and mulberry extracts, which assist to prevent melanin deposition (dark spots)
- Himalaya Refreshing & Clarifying Toner: Citrus and lentil help clear your pores in this all-natural Himalaya toner. It cleans, softens, and hydrates your skin without drying it out like other alcohol-based toners
- Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub: We all require a weekly exfoliating and thorough cleaning scrub. And this one from Kama Ayurveda is ideal due to its natural characteristics. This scrub’s kumkumadi oil effectively treats pigmentation and black spots
- Iba Halal Care Pure Lips Long Stay Matte Lipstick: If you’re looking for a cruelty-free cosmetics and paraben free skin products company, Iba Halal provides a variety of natural items. Its lipstick selection comes in 22 distinct colours, giving you plenty of options
Parabens are used to preserve cosmetics. Our specialists at Mahimo advise that if you wish to avoid parabens in cosmetics, you should use alternatives. Organic acids are used in cosmetics instead of parabens. Diazolidinyl urea is an example of an organic acid.
With rising worries about the impact parabens may have on your health, it’s a good idea to choose safer options that are paraben-free. When it comes to cosmetics, it’s essential to be cautious. To do so, always read the ingredients label and stick to items that promote your overall health.
FAQ
Is paraben free good for skin?
Through the use of paraben, the skin can get brittle, cracked, painful, swollen, develop rashes and several other problems. * It may even result in contact dermatitis, which is a serious type of skin inflammation characterised by rashes, blisters and burning skin. * Parabens may cause the skin to age faster.
Is paraben good or bad for skin?
Parabens can elevate cellular level damage caused by UV exposure, which may even cause skin cancer (5). Parabens can also sensitize the skin, causing allergic reactions. A study found that ethylparaben used as an antifungal agent (5%) on human skin caused contact dermatitis (6).
Is Oil of Olay paraben free?
Yes, some of our Olay products contain parabens. ... While we continually research new preservative options for our products, we have found parabens to be the safest choice for the products where we continue to use them.
Is paraben good for sensitive skin?
Very rarely sensitive skin can be impacted negatively by parabens, which can cause adverse reactions such as redness, irritations or breakouts. Many products exist with parabens at low levels or as a consumer you can avoid parabens all together just to play it safe.
What is the side effects of paraben?
Methylparaben is a type of paraben. Parabens are chemicals that are often used as preservatives to give products a longer shelf life.
What is wrong with parabens?
Of greatest concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity,” reports the non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC).