Parabens 101: Myths and Facts About this Controversial Ingredient
We held nothing back.
You surely have bumped into the term parabens before, whether it’s in a hair care product or cosmetics. We also hear more and more paraben-free. So what’s the truth about parabens? Are they good or bad? But most importantly, what are they? Keep reading to debunk myths and discover more about this beauty ingredient.
What are parabens?
Parabens are preservatives that have been used since the 1950s mostly in water-based personal care products to stop bacteria or fungi from growing in them and increase their shelf life. If you look at the labels – unless it’s paraben-free – you’ll find them in shampoos, shower gels, toothpaste, face cream, and more (Note that oil-based products require different preservatives from water-based).
They keep active ingredients effective, stable, and protected from bacteria, which is especially important in jars and pots that allow for finger dipping. The most commonly used parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. The debate around this type of preservative has been heated for two main reasons: parabens have been found in breast cancer tissues and they’ve also been found to mimic oestrogen.
Are Parabens Good or Bad For You?
Unfortunately, there is no right answer to this question. A 2004 British research paper by scientist Philippa Darbre showed traces of parabens in breast cancer tissues, and, although the paper didn’t prove any link between parabens and cancer, it showed that they can go through our skin barrier. Other concerns also surround the fact that parabens mimic estrogen and could influence our hormone production system. Last but not least, parabens and are harmful to the planet and have appeared on the tissues of marine mammals like polar bears and dolphins.
At the moment, the FDA doesn’t regulate any cosmetic ingredients (apart from these 11) including parabens, due to the lack of evidence around their effect on human health. The European Union, on the other hand, has been regulating them for years and has banned 5 from being used in cosmetics.
Even though the debate around parabens is still open, several skin, hair, and makeup companies have started to find and use alternatives in their formulations, hence the rising popularity of the label paraben-free.
Switching To Paraben-Free
Before you start your paraben-free shopping spree, you should know that there are different ways of removing these ingredients from beauty products.
When it comes to hair care, look out for safer preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate, which are natural compounds. As to skin care, look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoic acid and airtight packaging that limits hair exposure, hence bacteria growth.
Our Favourite Paraben-Free Shampoos
1. For Detoxing
Luckily, paraben-free products are widely available in stores, but if you need some inspiration to get you started, we love Nexxus Scalp Inergy Foam Shampoo, which is not only paraben and silicone-free but also has a detoxifying action on your scalp.
2. For Strengthening Your Lenghts
Are you looking for a solution to strengthen and refresh your hair? Suave Lemongrass & Ginger Strengthening Shampoo uses the natural properties of lemongrass to bring a new freshness to your strands, while ginger strengthens your hair from within. Pair it with its conditioner for top results.
3. For All Hair Types
Let’s be honest, we all love a 2-in-1 solution that saves us time and leaves our hair light and shiny. The Good Stuff Gentle Shampoo does exactly that, plus it works for any hair type, what more could you ask? And if you love it, the whole The Good Stuff range is paraben-free, so have fun exploring their products!
The Good Stuff
The Good Stuff Gentle Shampoo
