What are parabens in cosmetics – the benefits and harms, as indicated in the composition

For more than a dozen years there have been disputes about what parabens are, why they are included in cosmetic preparations, how dangerous they are to human health. Against the background of such interest of consumers, some manufacturers are trying to find an alternative to parabens, to replace them with other substances with similar properties. Other companies continue to use dubious additives, as most buyers are not at all interested in the composition of cosmetics, and preparations with a dangerous composition continue to be popular. This is also facilitated by the fact that there are no laws that would prohibit the use of parabens in the production of cosmetics. So why do power users refuse to buy drugs that contain potentially dangerous additives? The journalists decided to understand this issue and find out what parabens are in cosmetics, what effect they have, whether these substances are useful or not, as indicated in the composition of the preparations.

Preservative chemical parabens in cosmetics – what is it, a list of substances

Having found the word 'parabens' on the packaging with a cosmetic product, many women put a jar of cream, shampoo or a tube of mascara in place, since this name has already become synonymous with a substance harmful to the body. But is this so, is it worth fearing parabens in cosmetics? Experts answer that it is worth fearing, since parabens are substances of chemical origin, which is bad in itself. However, they have useful properties – they provide protection against the development of fungi and bacteria in cosmetics. Thanks to parabens, cosmetics can be stored longer after the packaging has been opened and its tightness has been broken. Due to the beneficial properties of parabens, they are often used in the manufacture of food and medicines. These substances can also be found in nature, in the chemical composition of some plants. But parabens of natural origin are present there, and not those obtained synthetically.

What substances are hidden under the name 'parabens':

1. Methyl.

2. Methylparaben.

3. Butyl.

4. I drank it.

5. Isobutyl.

6. Isopropyl.

7. Benzylparaben.

8. Pentylparaben.

9. Phenylparaben.

10. Sodium salts.

11. Isobutylparaben.

A combination of chemicals, which is often combined under the general name 'hydroxybenzoic acids' without specifying any details, is metagin, propagin, nipagin, nipazole.

The composition of different cosmetics contains different parabens. It all depends on the reproduction of which groups of bacteria and microbes need to be suppressed. In addition, specific chemicals act differently under certain conditions. Often, in order to enhance the preservative properties of parabens, manufacturers use their combinations.

If you find the names listed below in the list of components of a cosmetic product, it means that it contains parabens. They can also be identified by their characteristic alphanumeric designations – E218 and E219 (methylparaben), E214 (ethylparaben), E216 (propylparaben). Or by the name in Latin:

1. Methylparaben.

2. Ethylparaben.

3. Isopropylparaben.

4. Propylparaben.

5. Butylparaben.

6. Benzylparaben.

7. Glutaraldehyde.

8. Hexamidine-Diisethionate.

9. Phenol.

10. Phenyl Mercuric.

11. Benzetonium Chloride.

Some not particularly conscientious manufacturers, in order to increase the purchaseability of their own products, indicate in the composition not the name of specific drugs, but the names of mixtures or, in general, synonymous terms, trade names. And it is not so easy to determine that these mixtures consist of preservative chemicals. Here is an incomplete list of the names of substances under which parabens can hide:

1. Hermanon-K (Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Propylene Glycol).

2. Nipagin (Methylparaben).

3. Nipazol (Propylparaben).

4. Sharomix:

5. 300 (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Bronopol, Phenoxyethanol).

6. 331 (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben).

7. 410 (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Benzyl Alcohol).

8. 431 (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutyl Paraben).

9. 541 (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben).

10. ME (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Phenoxyethanol).

Especially dangerous are cosmetics, the packaging of which indicates that these parabens occupy the first places in the list of component composition.

What is the danger of chemicals in cosmetics

Parabens have been widely used in the cosmetics industry for over fifty years. But only in the early 2000s, the feasibility and safety of their use began to be discussed among scientists and ordinary consumers. Large-scale studies of the safety of these substances have begun. As a result, the public gained access to facts that indicate the potential danger of parabens for the human body, no matter how they penetrate into it – through food or through the skin.

What is the danger of contact with parabens in cosmetics:

1. These chemicals are estrogenic. That is, they contribute to the increased production of female hormones of the estrogen group – estradiol, estriol and estrone. It turns out that using cosmetics that contain parabens is contraindicated for men. And also to some other categories of citizens. For example, people with hormonal imbalance, pregnant women. After all, an excess of estrogen in the body of the expectant mother can have a negative effect on the health of the fetus, as well as on the future reproductive capacity of a woman.

2. The accumulation of parabens (and, as a consequence, estrogen) in the body is an increased risk of developing oncological diseases of the human reproductive system. Women are more likely to develop cancer of the uterus or breast, and men are more likely to develop testicular cancer.

3. Parabens in cosmetics increase the negative effects of ultraviolet (sun) rays. For example, you apply a moisturizer and sunscreen to your skin, or use a foundation with UV protection. But the composition of cosmetics contains parabens. As a result, you get not only the opposite result, but also expose your skin to an increased risk. Photoaging processes of the skin are faster than usual. In addition, there is a risk of DNA damage, which can result in various mutations in offspring. In fairness, it should be noted that in order for violations at the gene level to occur, it is necessary to use cosmetics with parabens for more than a dozen years and in large quantities.

4. Parabens in cosmetics can contribute to redness and irritation of the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin. In the most severe cases, a non-standard immune response of the body may occur – rashes appear on the surface of the epidermis, the tissues swell, itch and itch.

5. Parabens used in cosmetics somehow find their way into wastewater. These chemicals pollute the rivers from where people get their drinking water. Further, the soil is polluted, in particular agricultural land. Due to the high concentration of chemicals in water and soil, they begin to pollute the air we breathe.

Given the dangers of using parabens, why are these substances still not banned for use in cosmetics? Firstly, because the dangerous properties of these chemicals have not yet been 100% proven, not officially recognized. Secondly, because the use of parabens has some benefits for both manufacturers and consumers of cosmetics.

Useful properties and benefits of parabens in cosmetics, alternative opinions of scientists

Consider the arguments for the use of parabens in cosmetic preparations:

1. Parabens, like sulfates, are the most effective substances that are responsible for the long-term storage of cosmetics in the open form. Not a single manufacturer wants his product to start emitting an unpleasant odor or change its consistency, or exfoliate after a few weeks of use. Consumers who spend a lot of money on the purchase of cosmetics do not want this either, expect that the drugs will retain their initial characteristics and qualities as long as possible. In addition, if consumers knew what, for example, columns of cocci on the skin are fraught with, a new wave would immediately begin with a call to return parabens back to the composition of cosmetics.

2. Parabens are able to stabilize the formula of cosmetic preparations. Their presence in the composition of the funds helps to maintain an optimal consistency and allows all components to be harmoniously combined with each other.

3. Parabens are cheap and effective even in small amounts. It is more economical to use only such a preservative as formaldehyde, which was done at the time of the beginning of the industrial production of cosmetics. In addition, parabens are already well studied, clinically tested, and have a fairly long history of safe use, as they are used all over the world in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. But what side effects other preservatives, acting as an alternative to parabens, can cause, is unknown, we will find out about this no earlier than 20-25 years later.

4. Parabens do exhibit estrogen-like activity, but it is weak enough to cause significant harm to the body of a healthy adult. Independent studies and their results show that if the average woman uses cosmetics (shampoos, creams, serums, sprays, deodorants and shower gels) with parabens every day, then the dose of chemicals she receives is approximately 0.1–0. 4 mg / kg / day. This is approximately several thousand times less than is required in order for the process of stimulating excess estrogen production to begin. That being said, there are a large number of much more potent estrogenic chemicals that consumers encounter almost every day. For example, ethinyl estradiol (found in birth control and cancer drugs) and phytoestrogens (naturally occurring compounds found in many foods).

5. Independent research confirms that parabens are generally considered to be relatively safe preservatives that no industry in the cosmetics industry can do without. These chemicals, penetrating through the stratum corneum, are theoretically converted into a non-toxic metabolite by enzymes in the human body. These non-toxic compounds are naturally eliminated from the body very quickly.

6. According to SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) representatives, parabens are natural preservatives that do not normally cause allergic reactions.

7. Parabens are quickly absorbed by the body, their effect (in the absence of an allergic reaction) is almost invisible. For significant complications or side effects to occur, chemicals must accumulate in the consumer's body for a sufficiently long time. But parabens do not accumulate, they are metabolized by skin enzymes, and then excreted in the urine.

8. In 2010, global organizations such as SCCS and the FDA reviewed the results of the latest safety studies of parabens in the cosmetics industry. Experts have concluded that parabens are safe when using the recommended dosages, which manufacturers are required to strictly adhere to. If you use cosmetics of reliable brands, it has the appropriate certificates of quality and safety, you can not be afraid that the safe level of preservatives in the preparations is exceeded.

Experts understand that there are almost as many advantages to cosmetics with parabens as there are disadvantages. Therefore, they simply do not recommend using such drugs for a long time, but they also do not come out with categorical approvals or prohibitions in the direction of chemicals-based products.

Cosmetics containing chemical preservatives, parabens

Parabens, which play the role of preservatives, are mainly used in the production of cosmetics with a liquid consistency. That is, in those products that contain some amount of liquid – water. Such an environment promotes the growth and activation of colonies of pathogenic microorganisms, and parabens inhibit this process.

Types of cosmetics, which contain chemical preservatives:

1. Primer, foundation, fluid. Due to the fact that these cosmetic products contain parabens, they can retain their characteristics and properties for 6-18 months. However, the shelf life is influenced not only by the concentration of preservatives, but also by the consistency of the funds themselves. For example, a heavy foundation contains less water than a light and liquid cream fluid. Therefore, the foundation will last longer than the fluid.

2. Mascara. In the manufacture of this product, preservatives are always used. The mascara brush is constantly in contact with the eyelashes, sometimes it is placed on the table surface, so a large number of pathogenic microorganisms penetrate through it into the tube. The tube provides ideal conditions for the multiplication of bacteria, fungi and microbes. Therefore, in spite of the presence of parabens, mascara has the shortest period of operation in comparison with other cosmetics. It is not recommended to store it for more than 3-6 months after the first use.

3. Concealer, liquid highlighter, concealer, bronzer. Even taking into account the presence of preservatives, such cosmetics should not be used longer than six months after the package has been opened.

4. Lip make-up cosmetics – glosses, lipsticks, gels, etc. With these preparations, the situation is the same as with concealers. You can use them no longer than six months.

5. Creams for face and body skin care. If you buy cosmetics in a jar and type it with your fingers, then you can use the product for 3-4 months.

6. Roll-on deodorants, etc. Since the product is applied to the skin of the armpits, where bacteria develop very quickly and in large quantities, and the ball is constantly in contact with them, you need to use a deodorant no longer than 1-2 months. It is better to buy deodorant in a small package so that you can use it before the expiration date. Or use aerosols.

Parabens are also widely used in the production of such cosmetics:

1. Shampoos, balms, hair styling and styling products.

2. Shower gels and liquid soaps.

3. Children's cosmetics (however, most types of parabens are prohibited for the production of cosmetics for children under three years old).

4. Toothpaste.

5. Wet wipes.

In general, we can say that parabens can be found in 77-85% of rinse off decorative products and in 99% of preparations that cannot be rinsed off. Moreover, it does not matter in which country the cosmetic product is produced, preservatives are used everywhere by firms from Europe, America, Asia, as well as by Russian manufacturers.

If you are accustomed to using water-based cosmetics, it is best to contain benzylparabens, propylparabens and methylparabens. These chemicals are distinguished by the highest safety, as well as increased resistance to external influences, including high humidity and air temperature.

How to wash off cosmetics with parabens

To reduce the negative impact of parabens on the body, as well as following normal hygiene standards, cosmetics should be washed off the face at least once a day – before going to bed. And then the question arises – how to wash off the products that contain preservatives – with drugs that also contain parabens? Experts answer that the best preparation for cleansing the skin from cosmetics is micellar water. The peculiarities of the production of this product make it possible not to include parabens and sulfates in its composition. The same applies to a large number of hydrophilic oils of different brands.

Cosmetics marked 'Paraben Free' – truth or myth

In the wake of the general panic about parabens in cosmetics, manufacturers began to find ways to mislead consumers. Therefore, despite the fact that parabens have not yet been found, on store shelves you can find cosmetics with very tempting labels on the packaging like 'Paraben Free' or 'without parabens in the composition'.

But is this information true? In the vast majority of cases, no. Manufacturers simply indicate in the composition not the original name of the paraben chemicals, but an alternative name, that is, they simply use synonyms. This is the same as calling acetylsalicylic acid aspirin – the meaning is the same, the names are different. For example, you see that the list of components does not indicate that methylparaben is present, but it is indicated that methyl paraoxybenzoate was used in the manufacture of the drug. This means that the 'Paraben Free' icon does not give real information about the composition of the cosmetic product, because it does contain parabens or their substitutes. Some paraben 'doublers' are even more dangerous as they are carcinogenic and toxic.

And yet there are manufacturers of natural beauty products that use really natural substances as preservatives. These can be vitamins C and E. Or oils with antiseptic properties – tea tree or eucalyptus oil, almond, olive, lavender, jojoba, argan and lavender, as well as substances such as natural propolis, extract from grapefruit seeds, etc.

Our experts provided information on several brands, in the assortment of which there are cosmetics with almost 100% safe composition:

1. Natura Siberica. It is one of the most reliable and respected domestic brands that produces paraben-free cosmetics. Hair masks, shampoos, gels and creams for the face, body – all these products are 95% natural. The presence of parabens in the composition of these products was not found.

2. LOGONA. This is a German company that produces hypoallergenic bio-cosmetics. The brand's products do not contain chemical preservatives and are designed for consumers with very sensitive skin prone to allergies.

3. REN. The world famous British trade mark, in the products of which there are no synthetic components such as refined products, synthetic dyes and fragrances, parabens. The cosmetics of this company have passed clinical trials, approved by dermatologists.

4. Dr. Hauschka. The products of this brand occupy the leading places in the ratings of the 'Paraben Free' cosmetics. The assortment of this company includes different types of cosmetic and hygiene products – shampoos, creams, toothpastes, antiperspirants, decorative cosmetics, etc.

We also list the most popular paraben-free shampoos among consumers in the composition:

1. Neutral shampoo for sensitive skin from Natura Siberica.

2. Shampoo Color & Volume Silicone Free from SYOSS.

3. Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo by Giovanni.

4. Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo by Shea Moisture.

5. Naturia Dry Shampoo by Rene Furterer.

6. Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo by Trader Joe's.

Organic or green cosmetics without parabens – truth or myth

Parabens and the potential harm they can cause to the skin or the body in general have frightened the modern consumer so much that some women have begun to opt for so-called organic cosmetics. But few of them understand that drugs of supposedly organic origin are not much better than conventional drugs. Indeed, in any cosmetics that can be bought in a store, which are not produced in limited quantities, but on an industrial scale, parabens are present. And if the packaging says that these are 'organic' or 'natural' cosmetics, it just means that there are fewer preservative chemicals in them than in other preparations. But parabens are there, even in minimal amounts. The disadvantage of such cosmetics is that the consumer is deceived or deceived. The advantage is that such drugs are still safer for health and can act as an excellent alternative to products in which parabens are in the lead.

Recently, the market's response to the active actions of various public organizations that require the exclusion of parabens from cosmetics has been the start of the production of self-preserving products that do not contain preservatives. But all this is at the stage of development and clinical trials; such cosmetics cannot yet be found in stores. Therefore, marketers launched a product similar to organic cosmetics – green cosmetics, in which parabens were replaced with so-called natural preservatives – essential oils and organic acids that have antibacterial properties. However, how well these substances protect cosmetic preparations from the reproduction of pathogenic microflora is not known, and their side effects have not been fully investigated at all. The main reason parabens are so popular is that they show excellent levels of effectiveness even at low concentrations. Natural preservatives are much less effective. So 'green', organic cosmetics will either have a short shelf life or contain a lot of natural preservatives. At the same time, essential oils and organic acids are strong allergens, the presence of which in the composition of cosmetics increases the risk of an undesirable reaction to a particular product several times. It turns out that the use of drugs with parabens is not much more dangerous than the use of organic or green cosmetics.

How and by whom is the content of chemical preservatives in hygiene and cosmetic products controlled?

Despite the fact that many reputable organizations and bodies around the world are quite calm about the presence of parabens in cosmetics, large countries still set some restrictions on the use of chemicals. And also determine the maximum daily intake of preservatives. For example, in the United States, the norm is approximately 142 mg for adults and 0.38 g for children. In other countries, the situation is as follows:

1. European Union countries. The permissible content of preservatives in cosmetics is 0.4% for certain chemicals and 0.8% for mixtures. However, some substances should not be used in the manufacture of personal care products intended for children. In particular, propylparabens, isopropylparabens, butylparabens and isobutylparabens are banned.

2. Japan. In this country, the permissible concentration of preservative chemicals in cosmetics is the highest – 1%.

3. Russia and the countries of the Customs Union. In our country, the use of parabens is officially allowed, even the most dangerous ones – butylparaben and isopropylparaben. But there are still restrictions on their number in the composition of cosmetics. As in European countries, in Russia, the permissible level of preservatives in cosmetics is 0.4% for individual substances and 0.8% for mixtures.

Alternative preparations without parabens in the composition

There is an alternative to cosmetics with parabens, more precisely, there are three options for replacing potentially dangerous cosmetics:

1. Self-made cosmetics. Soaps, creams, toners, eye shadows and similar care or decorative cosmetics can be made with your own hands. And for this, use exclusively natural, safe ingredients that will not be able to cause the slightest harm to the skin or other organs. For example, to make a moisturizer, you can use lanolin, glycerin and vegetable oils (as a base), mineral water, herbal decoctions and freshly squeezed juices, essential oils, liquid vitamins, etc. Such cosmetics will be stored for a short time and only in the refrigerator, but you will be sure that skin care products are only beneficial, their use will not cause incurable diseases in you or your children.

2. Purchased handmade cosmetics. This option will be ideal for those who do not have time to prepare preparations with their own hands. Private craftsmen value their reputation and use only high-quality ingredients, the safety of which has been proven by clinical studies.

3. Purchased cosmetics from major cosmetic brands that have the ability to introduce innovative technologies into their own production and allocate significant investments for this. Such drugs will be expensive, you will not be able to store them for long, only two or three weeks, but you will be calm about your health.

4. Anhydrous cosmetics. If you use preparations that do not contain water, then you do not have to worry about the fact that they will contain parabens. Anhydrous products do not technically need a preservative. Indeed, in order to grow and reproduce, pathogenic microflora requires water. However, such cosmetics should be stored and also used in a completely dry room. After all, anhydrous preparations cannot retain their original characteristics for a long time if they are used in humid conditions.

As you can see, there is an alternative to cosmetics with parabens. If the issue of safety of care and decorative products is important to you, take a step away from traditional cosmetic products and discover natural cosmetics for face and body.

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