Paraben-Free Beauty Products: What They Are and How to Choose Them

When it comes to beauty products, we often find ourselves looking at the back of bottles and tubes, scanning the ingredient list for parabens. While you may not see the word paraben, terms like “methylparaben,” “propylparaben,” and “ethylparaben” should set off alarm bells. Parabens are chemical preservatives that are widely used in makeup and hair care products. While all makeup and hair care products use some form of preservative, parabens are chemicals that could be harmful in the long run. Paraben-free beauty and hair care products would likely advertise this right on the front of the package. Long-term use of beauty products with parabens can lead to hormonal imbalances in your body. It may be time to start reading labels and opting for paraben-free beauty and hair care products only.

What are parabens?

Parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in beauty and pharmaceutical products. They are said to prevent the growth of bacteria and increase the shelf life of the product. Parabens are chemically known as parahydroxybenzoates or parahydroxybenzoic acid esters. The most commonly used parabens in cosmetics include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben, says dermatologist Dr. Shireen Furtado.

The U.S. Food and Drug Association says that parabens are combined with other types of preservatives to provide better protection against a wide range of microorganisms.

Which beauty products contain parabens?

Parabens are found in a wide variety of makeup products, such as foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers with SPF. Parabens are not listed by the FDA because, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients do not require FDA approval before they can be placed on the market. Only color additives require approval. The FDA treats parabens in beauty products like any other ingredient.

Read also: 3 things you need to know about sulfates and parabens

What are the harmful effects of parabens?

Here’s how parabens are likely to affect your health:

1. Interfere with hormonal imbalance

Parabens can mimic estrogen and interfere with the way our bodies regulate the hormone. Therefore, reproductive activities such as pregnancy and menstruation can be affected by excessive use of parabens, says this study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. This may prompt you to use paraben-free makeup products.

2. It is easily absorbed

Even though you’re simply applying the product to your skin and now taking it orally, parabens can easily be absorbed through your skin and into your body, says this study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. That’s why it’s very easy for them to build up in your system.

3. It can lead to breast cancer

If you are regularly exposed to parabens, it may increase your risk of getting breast cancer, says this study, published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology. Although there are conflicting opinions on the matter, it is believed that parabens can impact breast cells and affect their growth. Therefore, it is safer to use makeup products without parabens. However, more evidence is needed to prove this claim. Critics of this theory say

Health Shots recommends: Best Paraben-Free Shampoo: 6 Top Picks for Healthier Hair

How to choose paraben-free makeup products?

Trying to make sense of the chemicals in the ingredients list of beauty products can be beyond confusing. If you’re confused about how to look for paraben-free makeup, here’s a simple checklist to follow.

• Check the label: Many brands now offer paraben-free makeup. Look for labels that explicitly state “paraben-free” or avoid ingredients with “paraben” in the name.
• Natural alternatives: Some brands use natural preservatives such as grapefruit seed extract or rosemary extract. However, the effectiveness of these alternatives in all products may vary.

Health Shots recommends: Best Paraben-Free Facial Cleanser: 6 Top Options for Gentle Cleansing

How to Use Makeup Containing Parabens

If you must use products that contain parabens, here’s what to do:

• If you are concerned about parabens but cannot find suitable alternatives, consider minimizing your use of products containing parabens or applying less of them.
• To check for allergies or sensitivities, always do a patch test with any new makeup product. Apply a small amount to a clean area of ​​your inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Look for any redness, itching, or burning sensations.
  If you have any pre-existing skin conditions or have any concerns about parabens, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist and seek advice.

Read also: Wearing lipstick can be dangerous for your health. Find out how

Summary

Paraben-free makeup products are the need of the hour, as emerging research suggests that parabens may not be a safe ingredient in our beauty products. Lipsticks, foundations, shampoos, and creams may also contain parabens, and careful analysis of the ingredient list is a must when purchasing these items.