Nowadays we are seeing more and more “paraben free” hair products and cosmetics. Some may wonder why? Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives, and that’s why they are found in so many products. They are used to fight bacteria and fungus. The parabens used most commonly in cosmetics are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Simply put, parabens help our products last longer.
Should We Avoid Parabens?
According to research, parabens can interfere with the body’s hormones, mainly reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. The possible health risks include chronic diseases, cancers, developmental disorders and fertility problems. Serious stuff.
Although the Food and Drug administration (FDA) has determined that parabens are safe for inclusion in skincare products, some people with sensitive skin prefer not to use these products. More importantly, a controversial 2004 study by the University of Reading in the UK which found concentrations of parabens, particularly methylparaben, in human breast tumors. If you see the first few ingredients are parabens, stay away!
Do Parabens Effect Our Hair?
Surprisingly no! However, if using products with parabens in it can be absorbed into the scalp and into the body. There is still pending research out there about the affects of parabens but from the research that I have gathered, we would all so well to try to avoid any hair products with parabens in it.
Rather than using parabens to keep our products fresh another alternative is an ingredient called Phenoxyethanol (a common cosmetic preservative that’s considered one of the least sensitive and hazardous for use in formulations.)
Read Product Labels
Make sure to always check the ingredients before purchasing any hair product. Sometimes we will purchase a hair product thinking it’s healthy for our hair when in reality it’s not! Definitely do your research on what ingredients to avoid. Parabens are definitely on that list!
A Quick Run-down On Parabens
Learn more about the most popular ingredients listed in hair products on the market today. Purchase eBook here!.
