Paraben free cosmetics have gained a lot of popularity in the last couple of years. This happened because natural skincare got promoted more often due to its wide range of benefits. So what is a paraben and why do we need it? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this topic.
What Are Parabens?
They are chemicals derived from benzoic acid. This element is usually found in plants. Also, some companies use it in foods as a way to preserve them. This is exactly why parabens are added to skincare and cosmetic products, to make them last longer, increasing their shelf-life. Another reason for why parabens are used in the beauty industry is their anti-fungal property. Besides the fact that they kill bacteria, parabens are also quite affordable.
Even though preservatives were used for more than 50 years for skincare products, paraben free cosmetics are more and more popular among both customers and manufacturers.
Why Do We Need Parabens in Our Cosmetic Products?
As I previously mentioned, cosmetic products that contain parabens last longer. 100 percent paraben free skincare cosmetics will probably not last enough time to arrive from the manufacturer to the distributor and then to the consumer. It will spoil in no time. Products that don’t contain preservatives might develop nasty bacteria and fungus, which will damage your skin. The worst part is that you won’t notice anything wrong with your face cream before applying it, even if it is filled with molds and other dangerous things.
A possible solution to keep a paraben free product fresh and safe is to refrigerate it. However, it is not a guarantee that will last long enough before spoiling.
Dangers of Parabens
From shampoos and sunscreens to mascaras and face creams, most of the cosmetic products contain parabens. This subject is quite controversial. They have been on the market for many years, and most skin types seem to tolerate them pretty well. It is true, however, that there were cases in which these products have caused mild irritations and rashes. Some even say that parabens might have a contribution to cancer development.
People consider that regular antiperspirants might increase breast cancer risk. According to them, your skin absorbs these chemicals because of the regular shaving process of that area. On the other hand, the American Cancer Society states there is no scientific evidence to support this statement. What caused an entire polemic was the fact that UK scientists have discovered traces of parabens in breast tumors samples. So, if you want to avoid further complications you should search for the best paraben free cosmetics. Make sure you keep them fresh and cool.
Paraben Free Alternatives
There are plenty of options when it comes to paraben free products. The beauty industry has started to use grapefruit seed extract to replace preservatives. This element is believed to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. It is so good that specialists recommend it as a health food supplement. There are some opinions, however, that state grapefruit seed extract is not as effective as some may think.
Another popular alternative is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. This is a natural chemical. Yes, I know it sounds funny, but it is true. It derives from glycine which occurs naturally. It is a debatable subject, considering that the natural amino acid creates the Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, after a complex artificial industrial process. The results, if used improperly, might even cause eye and skin irritations.
Final Thoughts
Even though paraben free cosmetics are more popular nowadays, customers still prefer regular products due to their capacity of lasting longer and fighting bacteria. Unless you are willing to store your beauty products in your fridge, you will probably have to wait a little longer until natural cosmetics are manufactured in such a way that they will last long enough.
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