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All About Paraben Free Skin Care Products

By Karina Frost


Skin care products come in various type and forms and numbers. Many different compounds are used to manufacture including synthetic and natural substances. The shelf life of cosmetics is extended by the use of preservatives. Some of the most commonly used preservatives belong to a group of ester compounds known as parabens. Usage of this group of preservatives has however been controversial due to side effects. Therefore, paraben free skin care products have been designed.

Preservatives are important components of cosmetics as they prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and molds. Disintegration may also occur as a result of air and light. For this reason, using preservatives is very crucial without which the product may become lethal. Besides, some of them are suspected in causing allergies and toxicity.

Paraben metabolites have been found in small deposits in the breast cancer tissue of cancer patients. The study that made these findings links the resulting cancer to the use of these metabolites. In addition, they are thought to be able to penetrate the skin barriers and accumulate in tissues. Other scientists have concluded that they cause organ toxicity. For some other studies, this toxicity is only revealed when large quantities are applied.

Some parts of the body are absolutely sensitive to parabens. The mucous membranes of the eyes are extremely sensitive to such chemicals and therefore eye make up removers should not contain this compound. Eye creams with parabens are known to cause irritation when they get to the eyes. In addition, facial cleansers and moisturizers that lack the compound are recommended for sensitive skins.

Regardless of the fact that some organizations have disregarded the studies indicating parabens are harmful, industries have been using alternatives. Grapefruit seed also called Citrus Paradisi has often been used as alternatives. In addition, phenoxyethanol as well as benzyl alcohol are alternatives as well. Cinnamon, lemon, lavender and other essential oils are also employed as alternatives by various industries.

Organic acids have also been used for preservation. Their principle for function is through dissociation into an acid salt which has activity against microorganisms. With increasing pH levels, more of the acid is converted into acid salt slowly. Combining this salt with preservation agents such as diazolidinly urea makes an effective agent. Acids are however only used for acidic formulations and do not work for those higher in the pH scale.

It is true that the use of alternatives has not been in use for long therefore their safety record is not proven. When you are not sure about the preservative used, use oil based cosmetics whenever available. This is because only water based cosmetics have to have preservatives. They may present challenges in the use, however, as they have to be used in dark rooms and using a pump to prevent air and light. Whatever your choice is, always use paraben free.

Regardless, consumers need to look at the ingredients list of any product that they want to purchase. The information about the toxicity of various chemicals that you may encounter can be cross referenced in an online database. Remember, all natural and safe does not always mean that the product is safe. Always choose paraben free cosmetics.




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