Makeup, hair treatments, creams, lipsticks, sunscreens and practically all the products on the market beauty They need preservatives to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and prolong their shelf life. Because of this, It is common to find parabens in cosmetics.
It is a chemical that fights yeasts and fungi. Although its purpose is to preserve the useful life of beauty items, some foods and some drugs, the substance could have toxic effects on health.
In any case, they are not contraindicated in all cases. Science and the law approve the use of some formulas with the ingredient, But in certain concentrations. What should you know about these? foreign?
What are Parabens?
Parabens are preservatives that exert a bactericidal and fungicidal function. They belong to para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) derivatives, and due to its low cost, it is widely used in the composition of cosmetics.
However, its use is controversial. A magazine publication Techno-Logic warns the importance of looking at parabens because they its high concentrations could accumulate in body tissues and cause skin sequelae.
The body quickly absorbs these substances, metabolizes them and excretes them in the urine. However, the expulsion is partial, as they are detectable in blood and urination. Furthermore, it is suspected that the substance is capable of altering the hormonal balance by activating the endocrine disruptors.
How to identify parabens in cosmetics?
There are organic parabens, i.e. they are metabolized naturally. There are also synthetic ones or those made with chemicals, composed of propanol, ethane or methanol.
Those cosmetics that do not contain this ingredient specify on the label “paraben-free” or “paraben free”. Anyway, Check the labels carefully. as the letters are usually very small or the nomenclature and codes present them with acronyms which tend to confuse one additive with another.
Sensitivity to parabens in cosmetics
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) position to parabens in second among the most common ingredients in cosmetics. the same institution it does not handle the information that these preservatives in the articles beauty have effects on human health.
While they do not inject odors or flavors, or alter the properties of makeup or personal hygiene items, inappropriate doses of the ester tend to cause skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis and allergies.
Consult a doctor if after applying a cosmetic with parabens You have itchy, swollen, red bumps, oozing, or scabs.
Regarding his link to cancer, an article in the newsletter Chemical Safety Facts.org review that Scientific studies do not find a direct relationship between this substance and the disease.
Parabens you can use and which ones you should avoid
In addition to the FDA, the European Union’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety authorizes parabens, but with certainty rules.
He ethylparaben and the methylparaben are safe at a maximum concentration of 0.4% per product or 0.8% if it is a blend. Alone or combined, the propylparaben and the butylparaben are guaranteed in formulas of 0.14%.
Among the harmful there are phenylparaben, isopropylparaben, pentylparaben, isobutylparaben AND benzylparaben. As for this group, it has not been precisely proven how harmful they are to health, which is why they are banned.
How to store cosmetics with parabens?
Daily, many people decide to change their consumption habits set aside items with this class of preservatives and try “green cosmetics.”
But if you’re considering determining because you still have some products on the shelf or because you’re more confident in the effectiveness of the chemical, keep the following storage considerations in mind:
- Store them in a place where light does not reach them directly.
- Close the containers well after applying the content.
- Try a medium temperature, as very high or very low alters the stability of the formulas.
- Check with the supplier of the product if it is convenient to store them in the refrigerator. Some people turn to the refrigerator for storing face creams, lotions and toners.
Products with alternative formulas to parabens
In skin with hypersensitivity, the Healthy Skin Foundation recommends Avoid contact or exposure to parabens. Check the labeling of the items before buying them and verify that they are natural cosmetics.
Furthermore, you can opt for products without preservatives, because they have no water and are becoming more and more popular. The preservation of this alternative is done through antioxidants that prevent oxidation and prolong its usefulness.
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