Sometimes a broad discussion of the ingredients is really important and helps people to stay healthy. Sometimes it's just another marketing move against a backdrop of the growing awareness among consumers.
Let's talk about parabens, which are also among the "victims" of such discussions. Everything is not so unambiguous, and before a verdict can be made, it is necessary to study the properties of these substances in more detail and get the opinion of scientists on this matter. What can parabens in cosmetics be harmful, if not harmful at all? Let's look into it right now, and at the same time, let's see if we should choose to replace natural cosmetics without parabens.
PARABENS IN COSMETICS - WHAT IS IT?
Parabens are chemical compounds (to be more precise, we are talking about complex esters of para-Hydroxybenzoic acid), which are famous for their antiseptic properties and have been used as preservatives for a long time, both in the food industry and in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries.
Parabens can be synthesized or obtained from plants in the laboratory - yes, there are natural parabens, which are found, for example, in cranberries, cranberries, cranberries, and acidity.
Parabens in medicines or cosmetics can extend their shelf life, preventing bacteria from multiplying.
PROPERTIES OF PARABENS IN COSMETICS: HARM AND BENEFIT
Parabens are today considered the most popular preservative. What is the reason for this choice?
1. antibacterial properties
Thanks to parabens in cans and tubes with cosmetics there will be no active reproduction of bacteria and fungi. This means that they can be used safely for longer without fear that the skin will react with irritation or inflammation.
2. Ability to stabilize the formula
One more plus of parabens consists that they carry out the stabilising function in formulas of means: their presence in the formula supports the necessary consistency and allows all components to co-exist harmoniously with each other.
Separately, it should be noted that the parabens, unlike other preservatives, are effective even in small concentrations. Manufacturers who emphasize the natural composition of their cosmetics and the absence of parabens can use natural preservatives. However, they are needed in much larger quantities to keep the product fresh for a long time. In addition, organic acids and essential oils, which play the role of preservatives in such cosmetics, are strong allergens. There is a high risk that these products will cause a negative reaction in the skin.
A disadvantage is that parabens can also cause allergies. However, the long-term practice of their use shows that the risks are much lower in the case of parabens. It is no coincidence that they are in use even in the food industry. Maximum safety is ensured by the international regulations governing the allowable concentration of parabens. Creators of cosmetics use these substances in a limited amount, which is necessary for microbiological protection.
WHICH DECORATIVE COSMETIC PRODUCTS CONTAIN PARABENS?
Parabens are needed primarily in liquid, cream or gel textured products. In short, in cosmetics that contain water. Wet environment is favorable for bacteria reproduction, and parabens prevent it.
1. tonal agent
Thanks to the presence of parabens, the tonal foundations "live" from six months to 1.5 years. The shelf life, in this case, is influenced not so much by the concentration of preservatives as by the texture of the product - so, the fluid will serve you less than a thick and dense in texture foundation.
2. eyelash mascara
Mascara is not without parabens, but its shelf life is the shortest compared to other beauty products: it is recommended to use the mascara no longer than 3 months after opening the package.
3. Concierge
Parabens extend the shelf life of this fund to about six months.
4. Lip gloss
With these tools - the same story as with the category of consignees: they can be used to make up only about six months. But without parabens, this period would be even shorter.