Paraben-Free: What Does It Mean?

“Paraben-free” has been trending in the beauty and wellness industry since the awareness of the harms of paraben on human and environmental health. However, what are parabens — and why does it matter whether something is paraben-free or not? The following blogs deal with everything on the term“Paraben” and tag ‘paraben-free”
What Are Parabens?
Parabens are chemicals used by the beauty industry in their products as preservatives. The chemicals having antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties are particularly used in the beauty and wellness products to increase their shelf-life. Moreover, it prevents mold, bacteria, and fungi from infecting products. They are mostly extracted from plants and vegetables.
Although there are various types of parabens available globally, the following six are the most commonly used in beauty products.
- Methylparaben.
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben.
Why Are Parabens a Concern?
Although Parabens are considered to be safe up-to a certain level, in moderation, even if nectar is consumed in excess it is poisonous. The Food and Drug Administration participates in the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent panel of medical and scientific experts, that reviewed the safety of parabens used in cosmetics and concluded that they were safe, even in extremely large doses. Typically parabens are used at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3 percent, and the CIR concluded they were safe for use in cosmetics at levels up to 25%. [1].
Data is taken from EWG original source [2]
The Potential Hazards Associated with Parabens
With long term use, parabens are proven to be associated with hazardous impact despite the fact the American FDA claims them to be safe to be used in beauty products.[3]
Some researched impacts include the following
Allergic Reactions
First, parabens have been associated with dermatitis[4]. Dermatitis is a condition that causes itching and bumpy red patches on the application of paraben products directly to the skin. However, generally only the people with eczema or sensitive skin face these effects.. Hence, if you are prone to rashes or skin sensitivity, it may be best to opt for paraben-free beauty products instead.
Cancers
Scientists have also linked the exposure of paraben to the increased risks of cancer, including breast, thyroid, and prostate.
In various studies over the past two decades, researchers have discovered that patients with breast tumors had high concentrations of parabens.[5] Although there are no proven evidence to establish a cause-effect relationship between paraben and breast cancer in the human body, 99 percent of women with breast tumors were found to have high paraben concentrations in their biopsy samples.[6]
Likewise, there is proven research on the linkage between thyroid cancer and high exposure to paraben in Chinese women. [7]
Hormonal Imbalances
Other than cancers and allergies, researchers reported recently that parabens could adversely affect reproductive and endocrine (or hormonal) systems in women. For instance, Propylparaben scores 9 or highly hazardous on the Environmental Working Group (EWG)scale. It also poses high concern on endocrine disruption with moderate concerns for reproductive toxicity. Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in February 2022 found that parabens may contribute to a variety of issues related to abnormal hormone production, including infertility and breast cancer.[8]
In a review concerning the exposure of men with parabens, researchers found exposure to parabens and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals negatively impacted semen quality and sperm DNA integrity.[9] Likewise, another study on rats has shown that a particular type of paraben, butylparaben, can lower testosterone levels in men, potentially reducing sperm count and increasing cancer risk.
What Does “Paraben-Free” Mean?
“Paraben-free” means a product that does not contain parabens. Thankfully, now there are many brands, particularly organic skincare brands, that have now moved towards ‘paraben-free.’ However there is a difference between paraben free and organic. Not all paraben-free products are natural or organic; likewise, not all organic products are paraben free because they often rely on alternative preservatives like plant-based extracts. Hence, being paraben-free is not a guarantee of being natural and vice versa.
To identify whether a certain product is paraben-free or not, meticulously read the product’s label. Even if paraben is not mentioned as a key ingredient, make sure no paraben or any of its versions (for instance – propylparaben or ethylparaben etc) is mentioned there. Thus, by looking out for paraben-free labels and any product that has -paraben or 4-hydroxybenzoate listed in the ingredients, you can minimize your exposure to this chemical family. [10]
Benefits of Using Paraben-Free Products
Using skincare without parabens does more than just help you avoid pathologies and allergic reactions. You may also experience younger-looking skin, healthier hair, and reduced risk of skin irritation. Moreover, since parabens are ecologically damaging. By avoiding parabens, you help protect marine life from harmful effects, lowering bioaccumulation and toxicity.
How to Transition to Paraben-Free Products
If your cosmetics contain parabens, don’t worry — it’s never too late to swap them out for skincare without parabens. Paraben-free cosmetics are much more affordable and widely available than ever and can be found everywhere, from drug stores to high-end beauty suppliers. According to an October 2022 report from Research and Markets, the global organic skin-care market is projected to exceed $17.5 billion by 2028, up from $9.8 billion in 2021, driven in large part by increased demand for products that are free of parabens and other chemicals.[11]
One such brand is Base Natural which is an all-organic brand that would help you switch to a zero-paraben life. It is one of the best investments you can make to save yourself and the planet.
Final Thoughts
In sum, paraben in your wellness products can be harmful and dangerous to the life-threatening level Therefore, you must consider switching to a healthier, organic, and paraben-free brand to promote a cleaner lifestyle with zero risk. Read the secrets of Saffron for a brighter and unlock the natural power of this luxurious ingredient to lighten dark spots, even skin tone, and achieve glowing skin.
References
- Parabens – Chemical Safety Facts
- EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
- Parabens in Cosmetics | FDA
- An overview of parabens and allergic contact dermatitis – PubMed
- The health controversies of parabens – PubMed
- Cosmetic chemicals detected in human breast samples
- Risk of thyroid cancer and benign nodules associated with exposure to parabens among Chinese adults in Wuhan, China – PubMed
- Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer – PMC
- From Oxidative Stress to Male Infertility: Review of the Associations of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (Bisphenols, Phthalates, and Parabens) with Human Semen Quality – PubMed
- Insights on the Organic Skincare Global Market to 2028 – Rising Consumer Demand for Chemical-Free Beauty Products is Driving Growth