About Paraben-Free Cosmetics

A lifestyle free from preservatives is just a click away. Even if you don't know where the nearest health store is in your area, you can search online for a host of Internet-based shops from which to order your paraben-free makeup. As you clean out your makeup kit of anything authoritative findings claim to be synthetic and unnatural, look at the personal care products you've been using as well. If you are dedicated to turning your entire way of living around for the better, seemingly insignificant items such as toothpaste and hand cream may also have to be replaced. Double check the labels. You might be pleasantly surprised to see that a company you've always favored is already in the practice of eliminating parabens from its products.

Function

In decades past, foods and cosmetics that were homemade and free from preservatives were simply refrigerated in order to discourage bacterial growth. In modern times, cosmetics and processed foods have stayed fresher longer--and without the aid of the refrigerator--with parabens acting as preservatives. Parabens are said to assist makeup with having a longer shelf life, but consumers have expressed concern over health being compromised in exchange for this convenience. Other examples of products that contain parabens are antiperspirants, shampoos and lotions.

Considerations

There is research that argues both for and against the relative safety of the use of parabens, but a number of buyers would rather be healthy than to risk the opposite. Since parabens have been claimed to mimic estrogen in the body, and estrogen in turn has been linked to breast cancer, beauty brands have now come out with cosmetics free from parabens for a growing market. From a balanced perspective, it must be said that parabens as an ingredient have not been officially deemed the cause of cancer. However, it is understandable why there is a fuss over the matter as studies show that parabens have been found in biopsies of breast tumors.

Types

If you are considering making the leap toward paraben-free products, among the contents to identify on a list of your cosmetics' ingredients are ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben. Once a change in habits is in full swing, beauty and luxury need not be traded in. There are companies known for their high standards that do not make use of parabens in their production (see Resources). From lip balm all the way to foot cream, the discerning shopper will be able to find paraben-free cosmetics.

Significance

The popularity of healthier beauty alternatives demonstrates the willingness of consumers as a whole to lead more consciously informed lives. Even brands of drugstore makeup such as Maybelline, L'Oreal, Physician's Formula, Jane, Neutrogena and Almay offer the mineral variety widely. A quick online search will reveal as well that paraben-free mineral makeup companies have sprung out of home kitchens to cater to appreciative buyers. There is evidently a shift in trends. Just as cigarettes were in vogue before it was known that smoking is harmful, so was conventional makeup once all the rage before shoppers became more health-conscious.

Warning

Do not allow claims from excited consumers that mineral makeup is safe to sleep in to dissuade you from a beauty regimen that includes removing your makeup before going to bed. Even if it were safe to fall asleep while wearing mineral makeup, you want to remove buildup on your face, which includes dead skin cells and dust from the outside world. Besides, as a disclaimer, not all kinds of mineral makeup are paraben-free. Particularly if a product has a liquid or creamy consistency, check the label to make sure the manufacturer does not include parabens to help them last longer. Similarly, just because a skin care or cosmetic item is classified as organic does not mean it is paraben-free. Make sure to read the list of ingredients no matter what if you are committed to making the change toward a paraben-free lifestyle.

Resources

• Parabens and breast cancer
• A list of paraben-free cosmetic companies