Why Choose Makeup that’s Paraben-Free?

What’s paraben-free makeup, and why is it so good? Parabens are preservatives. They’re found in shampoo, mascara, foundation, lotion, and a ton of other personal care products. You’ve probably been using them for years without even knowing it.

 

What do parabens do? Parabens keep bacteria from growing in your skin cream, deodorant, mascara and other products. All of these bacteria live in your bathroom where it’s warm and moist – perfect bacterial breeding grounds. Manufacturers want their products to last a very long time, so they add paraben preservatives.

 

The problem lies in what parabens do once they’re in your body. Your skin soaks them up, and when they hit your endocrine system, your body thinks they’re estrogen. They mess with your hormones, confusing your body’s natural hormonal balance.

 

Studies indicate this might increase your risk of breast cancer. They have also been linked to increased risk for miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, and obesity. Choosing makeup without parabens keeps these chemicals out of your body and potentially lowers your overall risk.

 

Are they really bad? Remember when gluten-free labels started popping up everywhere? Most people first wondered what gluten was, then if it would make them healthier to eat that way. When they looked into it, they found gluten-free diets beneficial to some people, but not all. Is it the same with parabens? Some sources say parabens are bad for you, and others disagree. Who is right, and why all the confusion?

 

The FDA says there’s no conclusive evidence that paraben-free cosmetics are healthier for you, and that you probably don’t need paraben-free mineral makeup. However, some studies indicate that’s not true. In a recent CDC study, urine tests showed almost everyone has parabens in their system. If you prefer not to have synthetic chemicals in your body, going paraben-free would be the obvious choice.

 

A British cancer researcher tested 40 breast cancer patients who had had a mastectomy and found that 99% of them had parabens in their system. In breast cancer patients, many times the cancer was found close to their armpit where they apply deodorant, which usually contains parabens.

 

Parabens are in almost type of personal care product. Common sense says if something acts like a hormone and disrupts the hormones your body makes, you may want to be exposed to as little of that ingredient as possible.

 

So what’s the best choice? There are so many things in the environment that can’t be controlled. There are hormones and preservatives in food, heavy metals in drinking water, and who knows what bacteria in the workplace environment. Every day it seems like someone discovers something you’ve been unknowingly exposed to that’s toxic. With parabens, why take the risk if you don’t have to?

 

Until there’s more research, it makes sense to avoid parabens. Why slather yourself with something that might hurt your health? Instead, choose paraben-free makeup whenever possible.

 

How do you know if your makeup is paraben-free? Take a look at what’s in your makeup bag right now. You might need a magnifying glass. Stay away from anything that says methylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben or butylparaben.

When you go to replace these products, the best way to know for sure is to buy ones that are labeled paraben-free. If you’re not sure, read the ingredients. Often products use more than one paraben. Parabens are also commonly used in fragrances. Choose fragrance-free products to avoid them when you can. If you’re still not sure, look up the company and see if they provide a list of ingredients on their website.

Why take a risk with your body if you don't have to? Choose makeup without parabens and that is good for your skin and body.