Introduction to What Are Parabens & Paraben Free

Paraben are a class of chemicals in product usually used as a stabilizing preservative agent. Paraben-Free means products that do not use such chemicals.

In 1920s, parabens were introduced to the beauty and food industries approximately 20 years later. So, parabens have been used in cosmetics for more than 70 years, which means they are among the most well-documented ingredients on the market.

Dangerous chemicals are found in many of the products we use every day. Even though we may assume that these products have been tested, sometimes this may not be the case.

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What is the function of Paraben?

Parabens on labels imply the use of parabens as an ingredient. 
Parabens are the most widely used preservative in personal care products. Parabens stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your favourite creams and makeup, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom.

Are Parabens Bad?

The downsides of paraben are:

  1. Affecting endocrine systems by interrupting glandular activity and hormone production.
  2. Promote premature skin aging
  3. Risk in developing breast cancer in women
  4. Low sperm count in men
  5. Triger allergic reaction

Look for Paraben-Free Products

New innovations in technology have seen advances in new natural chemicals that have similar properties as parabens. Means products that are free from parabens, there are many alternatives such as rose extracts which have the same antimicrobial and stabilizing properties as parabens.

Alternative Ingredients to Parabens

Since the controversy around parabens has arisen, many companies have been looking for new ingredients to replace them. Some of these new ingredients include:

-BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene is a preservative that is used in products like food and cosmetics. It is considered to be safe and is often used as a replacement for parabens.

-Diazolidinyl urea: This is a preservative that is used in products like cosmetics and shampoo. It is considered to be safe, but can cause irritation in some people.

-Phenoxyethanol: This is a preservative that is used in products like cosmetics, skincare and perfume. It is considered to be safe, but can cause irritation in some people.

If you are looking for products that do not contain parabens, there are many options available on the market today. Many companies have reformulated their products to exclude this ingredient. You can also check the labels of products to see if they are paraben-free.

History of Paraben

Parabens were first used in the early 1920s as a preservative in food products. They are effective at preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause spoilage. The use of parabens in cosmetics dates back to the 1950s when they were first used as a preservative in products like shampoo and moisturizers. Since then, they have become widely used in a variety of cosmetics products due to their efficacy and safety.

There are many different types of parabens that are used in products, but the most common ones are methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens can be found in a variety of products including shampoo, conditioner, makeup, lotions and deodorants.

While parabens are considered to be safe for most people, there is some concern about their potential health effects. Some studies have suggested that parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, which can disrupt the endocrine system. There is also some evidence that parabens can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Despite the concerns about their safety, parabens are still widely used in products because they are effective at preserving them and extending their shelf life. If you are concerned about the use of parabens in products, there are many paraben-free options available.