Lately I have been hearing the words parabens and paraben-free a lot.
Until this morning I wasn’t exactly sure what a paraben was. Assuming this was just another new form of marketing fueled beauty hysteria, I hadn’t been paying much attention. Having said that, after reading this very interesting article from Best Health Magazine I will definitely be phasing out products containing parabens from my beauty routine.
In simple terms, parabens are a widely used form of preservative which are added to cosmetics to stop them going off. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and can affect the endocrine system, messing with our hormones. Particular concern surrounds the possible link between underarm deodrants containing parabens and breast cancer.
In 2012 a study focusing on the presence of five types of parabens in breast tumour tissue found that 99% of the samples had one or more of the parabens present and a shocking 60% of tissue samples contained all five.
Whilst some studies and ‘experts’ have concluded parabens are a safe ingredient, it doesn’t take a genius to work out the huge potential damage this information being spread about would cause to the the multi-billion pound cosmetics industry.
Here are five paraben-free beauties to swap to:
- Dr Organic Rose Otto Night cream
This is my favourite bedtime skin treat. Use with the Rose Otto Cleansing Milk and Rose Otto Skin Toner for beautiful moisturised skin that smells divine. Containing pure organic rose otto oil, rosehip oil, roseflower water, aloe vera and shea butter, life truly is a bed of roses.
- Kneipp Arnica Joint & Muscle mineral bath salts
A restorative bath time remedy packed full of plant derived active ingredients. Perfect to soothe sore muscles after a workout and release tension.
- Tisserand Jasmine in Organic Jojoba
This sweet and exotic all natural perfume is perfectly handbag sized and contains no alcohol or parabens. Jasmine oil is an aphrodisiac and believed to attract love, money and prosperity. This moisturising oil can also be used in the bath and for massage.
- Weleda Skin Food
Deliciously indulgent paraben-free body lotion. Enough said.
- Dove Pure Aerosol Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Winner of the 2014 Eco Beauty Awards for good reason. Being fragrance, alcohol, colourant and paraben-free and sporting a lovely little high-street price tag, buying this winning product is a no-brainer.
Other fab paraben-free ranges include Korres and Origins. If you too want to eliminate parabens from your bathroom cabinet always read product labels and never judge a book by its cover! It shocked me to find out that one particular popular brand known for its eco-friendly, all natural image is stuffed full of the chemical nasties.
Healing Chick 
August 4, 2014 at 8:17 am
the best environmentally friendly deodorant seems to me to be rock crystal – and it works perfectly. I introduced my 40 yr old disbelieving son to it and he was amazed!
August 4, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Thanks for the tip!
Always interested in hearing recommendations and thoughts from readers. Have a lovely day 🙂