I’m seeing more and more “paraben free” being promoted on personal care labels. So, like many people, you too may wonder: if products boast to be free from this ingredient, why is it in there in the first place and what’s so bad about it? Let’s have a little look into that, and some better alternative.

What are parabens?

Parabens are basically preservatives. Which work specifically to prevent bacteria, mould and fungus spreading so the products don’t spoil. Prolonging the shelf life of food, pharmaceuticals, self care products and cosmetics.
Synonyms: Methyl; ethyl; propyl; butyl- paraben, E218, E214, E216, E209, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben.

How bad are parbens for you?

On the how-bad-are-they-for-you scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being highly hazardous), parabens sit at a cool 7, according to the Environmental Working Group.

The biggest concern parabens poses, is the risk to the endocrine system. This is the system that has any and everything to do with hormones and consequently reproduction, metabolism, as well as body growth and development.

In 2011 the Danish government ban the use of parabens in products intended for young children, as this demographic is more vulnerable to hormonal- like effects. But it’s worth considering what the detriment is for everyone else who is most likely consuming more than one paraben in more than one of their cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or self care product.

Should you opt for “paraben free” products?

With the increased awareness growing around ingredients like parbens, my advice would be to grab for those products which advertise to be ‘paraben free’. But also go further by reading ingredients list on the back of products and avoiding any that contain parabens or its cousins (see synonyms, above). A good alternative to parabens for preservation, are natural antioxidants like grape seed extract, cinnamaldehyde (from cinnamon), citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and rosemary extract.