What does ‘paraben-free’ mean in beauty products — and is it safer?

When it comes to beauty products, we often find ourselves looking at the back of the bottles and tubes, scanning the ingredient list for parabens. While you might not find the work paraben, terms such as “methylparaben”, “propylparaben”, and “ethylparaben” should raise an alarm. Parabens are chemical preservatives that are widely used in make-up and haircare products. While all make-up and hair care products use some form of preservatives, parabens are chemicals that could be harmful in the long run. Paraben-free beauty products and haircare products would likely advertise this right at the front of the packaging. Prolonged use of paraben beauty products can lead to hormonal imbalances in your body. It might be time to start reading labels and options only for paraben-free beauty products and haircare solutions.

What are parabens?

Parabens are a group of chemicals that are popularly 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 esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid. The most commonly used parabens in cosmetics include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben, says dermatologist Dr Shireen Furtado.

The US Food and Drug Association states that parabens are combined with other types of preservatives for better protection against a broad range of microorganisms.

What beauty products contain parabens?

Parabens can be found in a wide range of makeup products such as foundations, concealers, mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, blush, eyeshadows, and moisturisers with SPF. Parabens are not pointed out by the FDA as according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. Only colour additives require approval. For the FDA parabens in beauty products are treated as any other ingredient.

Also Read: 3 Things You Need to Know About Sulfates and Parabens

What are the harmful effects of parabens?

Here is how paraben is likely to affect your health:

1. Interfere with hormone imbalance

Parabens can mimic oestrogen and can interfere with the way our bodies regulate the hormone. Therefore, reproductive activities such as pregnancy as well as menstruation can be impacted by the overuse of parabens, states this International Journal of Molecular Sciences study. This might push you towards using paraben-free make-up products.

2. Gets easily absorbed

Although you are merely applying the product on your skin, and now consuming it orally, parabens can get easily absorbed through your skin, and enter your body, states this study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. This is why it is very easy for them to accumulate in your system.

3. May lead to breast cancer

If you are exposed to parabens regularly, it may increase your probability of getting breast cancer, states this study, published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology. While there are mixed views on this, it is believed that parabens can impact breast cells and influence their growth. Therefore, it is safer to use paraben-free make-up products. However, more evidence is needed to prove this claim. Critics of this theory say

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How to choose paraben-free make-up products?

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

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

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How to use paraben-containing makeup

If you have to use products that contain parabens, then here is what to do:

•  If you’re concerned about parabens but can’t find suitable alternatives, consider minimizing your use of paraben-containing products or applying a smaller amount.
•  To check for potential allergies or sensitivities, always perform a patch test with any new make-up 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
  It is advisable to consult a dermatologist if you have any pre-existing skin conditions or concerns about parabens and seek advice.

Also Read: Wearing lipstick can be dangerous for your health. Know how

Summary

Paraben-free make-up products are the need of the hour as emerging research suggests that parabens might not be a safe ingredient in our beauty products. Lipsticks, foundations, shampoos, and creams can also contain parabens, and a close scan of the ingredient list is a must while purchasing these items.