Up until now, you must have heard about the cosmetics industry moving towards a more natural and clean approach when it comes to both the production and the final results. It is no secret that many products that are used and applied to the skin contain some harsh chemicals and ingredients, that in the long run, can have a negative effect on the overall health of the person and also have negative visible results on the skin.
The skin covers almost 90% of our body and it is the protective layer of our body. Good and healthy skin means a healthy person. The sign of aging, illness, and any other issues are first seen on the skin. The lack of dehydration and certain vitamins also present through marks on the skin. That is why many products are specially created to help the skin maintain its good look, radiance, and elasticity.
However, the list of the unwanted ingredients in one cosmetic product is very extensive and what is often mentioned is that one thing you should always look out for is the parabens and look for paraben-free products.
The beauty industry is always striving to deliver to its customers, products that are with the highest quality as well as move out from using chemicals and using more natural ingredients. By choosing to use naturally derived ingredients, each person, in a small way, contributes on daily basis in preserving and improving the environment and the planet.
One set of ingredients that is very commonly mentioned and that should be avoided when it comes to beauty and cosmetology are the parabens. It has been a so-called hot topic for a very long time, and here is everything you need to know about the parabens.
What are parabens?
Parabens are a family of related chemicals that are used as preservatives in lots of cosmetic products. They have many names and the most common are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. It is a common preservative that is used for giving the products long shelf life and keeping it free from bacteria, yeast, and mold. That is why many health and beauty brands are adding the parabens in their products so that they can be viable longer. So, although they are found in many beauty products, the parabens can also be found in some fruits and vegetables like blueberries, cherries, and cucumbers. So, the next question that arises is that are parabens now safe or not? Many types of research have shown that parabens can mess with the hormone balance in the body. The debate over whether they are safe for use on our body and skin is still ongoing and the question of whether they are safe or not remains open.
Which products contain parabens?
Parabens can be found in a wide range of different cosmetic products. The most common are:
- Makeup
- Moisturizers
- Haircare products (shampoo & conditioner)
- Shaving products (shaving cream & gel)
- Deodorants
Any products that are sold must contain a list of ingredients, and this is regulated by law. These ingredients sometimes have some strange names, depending on the chemical and where it is sourced. That is why it is important to always look at the list of ingredients and make sure that you avoid those products who have it.
What is paraben-free?
As mentioned above, parabens are preservatives found in many products, from makeup and moisturizers to hair care and shaving products. The parabens are everywhere around us in the products we use. Since they can be absorbed easily through the skin, they can be harmful. They can sometimes mimic the hormone estrogen and disrupt the normal hormonal cycle of the body. This also reflects on the production of estrogen in women's bodies. The use of products with paraben can increase the risk of breast cancer and cause the onset of early puberty in girls. That is why many cosmetic and beauty brands are shifting towards selling paraben-free products – products that do not contain these ingredients. Instead, a more organic alternative and approach are suggested. It includes the use of natural preservatives like tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract. These preservatives are more acceptable and much healthier for those who are willing to stay away from the potential toxic synthetic preservatives in their makeup and beauty products. However, these products have a shorter shelf life, and even shorter if they are not stored properly. Storing a product with natural preservatives in a high heat area may cause the ingredients to separate.
Good alternatives
Since the personal care products are in demand now more than ever, the area of color cosmetics (make-up, hair, nails) is constantly updating its list of good and healthy alternatives. These alternatives are natural preservatives that are considered safe and they include essential oils, botanicals, vitamins, sodium benzoate, and vegetable-derived glycerin. Rosemary and lemon essential oil has natural antibacterial properties and is rich in vitamin E. However, they have a much shorter shelf life. Sodium benzoate is another natural ingredient that is safe and has antimicrobial protection. These and many more are just some of the alternatives that can still provide high-quality cosmetics products but much safer and paraben-free. Always make the effort to read the ingredients list and look out for substances that end with "-paraben".
The paraben-free cosmetics today
If you are on the hunt for paraben-free cosmetics, then Lotus Bio Mineral is what you are looking for. Your entire face and body care regimen will be covered with cleaner products that are also cruelty-free and vegan. As the health of your skin comes on top of the most important things, with the use of our clean products the results will instantly be more visible. And above all, the paraben-free approach is what will determine your future approach towards makeup and skincare.