The question of ‘what is paraben’ stands at the center of current concerns around ingredient transparency. In fact, it is one that has transcended the clean beauty movement to move towards more mainstream preoccupations, impacting many segments within the cosmetics industry.
Behind the question of “what is paraben” remains, fundamentally, the notion of healthy beauty and with it an increasingly important consumer awareness towards known or suspected harmful ingredients within cosmetics. This concern goes beyond discussions around parabens, in fact leading many important developments in the market today, from the growing focus on cosmetic certifications to enhanced ingredient transparency.
In this context, having a clear answer to “what is paraben” and the rise of the ‘paraben-free’ claims might not be enough, with brands evolving to understand the power of natural alternatives to cosmetic preservatives.
Content
What is paraben?
The term paraben refers to a group of chemical substances used as preservatives in the cosmetic industry. While the concept involves a number of different substances, they all share their capacity to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
As such, they have been a key asset for preventing microbiological contamination in cosmetic formulation, protecting consumers from its potential harm, all within the realm of initiatives to better preserve products.
The most commonly used parabens in cosmetics include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Additionally, they are often used as part of a larger list of preservative substances, looking to maximize the range of microorganisms that are prevented from growing.
How are parabens used in the cosmetic industry and the rise of the ‘paraben-free’ claim
The use of parabens in the cosmetic industry can be traced back to the early 20th century, and they have been introduced not only in a wide variety of cosmetics (makeup, moisturizers, hair care…) but also foods and drugs.
However, their use was questioned when, with the onset of the new millennium, several research papers suggested parabens present estrogenic activity (Oishi, 2001, Routledge et al., 1998) and carcinogenic potential (Darbre et al., 2004). Such findings were the first trigger to the rise of the “paraben-free” claims, a claim that doesn’t cease to grow and increases every year, according to Mintel research.
Following these scientific efforts, a series of public health institutions have applied measures to either ban or limit the use of certain parabens have made these substances to further step into the limelight.
Such is the case of the EU ban of 5 parabens (Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben and Pentylparabe) through the Commission Regulation (EU) No 358/2014. On the other hand, the Federal Drug Administration in the USA hasn’t applied any specific rules for parabens, as explained in their website: “FDA doesn’t have special rules that apply only to preservatives in cosmetics” while also reassuring “FDA scientists continue to review published studies on the safety of parabens. At this time, we do not have information showing that parabens as they are used in cosmetics have an effect on human health.”
A twist in the paraben conversation: the natural alternatives to parabens
Scientific developments and rigor around natural cosmetics have allowed for the development of natural preservatives. A move that allows brands to move beyond “paraben-free” claims and build enhanced ingredient transparency and consumer trust.
While the need to keep products shelf-stable persists, Provital has been able to develop a series of natural ingredients that present anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and thus effectively replace the use of listed preservatives. These include Pentylene Glycol, Levulinic Acid, and Glyceryl Caprylate.
These plant-based ingredients act by limiting water activity within products, preventing the generation of moisture environments that promote bacterial growth.
The resulting formulations are preservative-free but also long-lasting, thus directly addressing consumers looking for natural alternatives to the “paraben-free” claim.
Explore our natural ingredient catalog and learn more about our approach to natural preservatives in the specific “Ingredients without preservatives” section.
No comments yet
There are no comments on this post yet.
Leave a comment