Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in foods, cosmetics and drugs.

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They can have many side effects, even serious, for health.

 

They are compounds that derive from the para-hydroxybenzoic acid and from which they take their name.

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Some may be of plant origin (methyl paraben can also be found naturally in blueberries), while others come exclusively from chemical synthesis.

 

Their task is to protect products from the formation of bacteria, fungi and other substances potentially harmful to health.

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The fact that they are easy to produce and not very expensive, has meant that they were used in large quantities in food, pharmaceutical and even cosmetics.

 

These substances have the ability to penetrate deeply into the layers of our skin, thus remaining in the tissues for some time.

 

European laws classify these substances as "potential endocrine disruptors", ie substances that can interfere with the normal activity of the glands that produce certain hormones, especially estrogen.

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How to recognize them in the ingredients list of a cosmetic (INCI)?

 

 

 

 

Prohibited by European laws:

 

Isopropilparabene

Isobutilparabene

Fenilarabene

Benzilparabene

Pentilparabene

 

 

 

Used:

 

Propylparaben (E216)

Butylparaben

Methyl paraben (E218 and E219)

Ethylparaben (E214)

Calcium paraben

Sodium paraben

Potassium paraben

 

 

In eco-organic cosmetics, other natural substances are used to store cosmetics and prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

 

Some examples are the extracts of rosemary, thyme, oregano and grapefruit seeds, all plants with disinfectant and bactericidal.

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Mother Earth has everything

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to make us feel good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary