How to Find Paraben-Free Moisturizer

Parabens are chemicals often used in body care products and cosmetics for their preservative and antimicrobial benefits and are deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, due to allergic reactions and concern over paraben links to increased estrogen levels and cancer, many people are looking for paraben-free products. Parabens are widely used in small amounts in moisturizers, but there are plenty of paraben-free alternatives available. Read on to learn how to find paraben-free moisturizer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check the label of your current moisturizer. Look for any ingredients like propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben, which are commonly used parabens. Check the Internet or check with the FDA for other paraben names.
2. Go online and search for paraben-free moisturizers. Usually, if a product is paraben-free the manufacturer will say so, but check the ingredients list and product description just in case.
3. Read product reviews from other customers before you buy to find the right moisturizer for you. Consider emailing or writing to the manufacturers of several paraben-free moisturizers and requesting a free sample of each before you choose one.
4. Stop by your local Whole Foods or health food store to find paraben-free moisturizer. Most will have a body care section with a decent selection. Or, check with your local drugstore or department store and ask about paraben-free options. Bring a list of paraben names with you anyway and be ready to carefully read the labels to make sure that you are investing in the right product.
5. Try different paraben-free moisturizers until you find the right one for your skin. Look for paraben-free body lotions with lots of shea butter and paraben-free facial moisturizers with sunscreen built right in.