Tag: Parabens
Parabens…
Parabens are the chemical compounds used in cosmetics as preservatives. They are the esters of para benzoic acid possessing wide spectrum antimicrobial activity although most effective against yeast and moulds. In spite of concerns over them causing contact dermatitis their use as preservatives became ubiquitous in cosmetic and dermatological products.
Actual concerns over their usage started after study conducted in 2004 stated that Parabens mimic estrogen activity and also its findings in malignant breast cancer tissues. Nevertheless several exhaustive research conducted there after could not attribute Parabens as carcinogens. There by ruling out the possibility for imposing a ban on Paraben usage.
Recent developments:
Since the past decade consumer demand for paraben free cosmetics is on rise. And with the latest EU Cosmetics Regulations coming under force it is sure to have a great boost to paraben free cosmetics. The latest regulation limits the maximum concentration of Propylparaben and Butylparaben, from currently allowed limit of 0.4% when used individually and 0.8% when mixed with other esters, to 0.14%, when used individually or together.
Go Organic…
Most of us use makeup cosmetics on regular basis. Needless to say it is more or less like having a whole lot of chemicals on our skin at as stretch of 8-9 hrs. But we can do in the least is take necessary care with respect to our Skin and Personal care products.
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What to do and to what extent we can?
The first thought that comes to my mind when i hear “Go organic..” is Paraben free products. Though I was aware of Paraben myths and facts I never cared to buy Paraben free cosmetics with fear of using products which may have substituted paraben with substandard preservatives .But ever since I read about the recently imposed regulations by EU commission I started having second thoughts.Though it is not completely possible to replace all the cosmetic products we use often with paraben free we can still make some efforts to be on safer side as much as we can especially for personal care products. So here we go and lets do this
- The first step to be taken immediately is to check your washroom closet and discard all deodorants and antiperspirants that have Paraben as its preservatives. And replace it with home made Essential oil deodorants. In choosing your own essential oils, make sure to use oils that are mild and non irritant to the skin as the underarm is a sensitive area. Suggestions include Lavender, Geranium, RoseHip, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Texas Cedarwood.
Make your own spray deodorant by combining 20 drops of essential oil for every 4 ounces of distilled water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, gently shake it and apply it as necessary. Alternatively, if you also want to help absorb wetness, combine 10 drops of essential oil in a mixture of 4 tablespoons of coconut or jojoba oil, 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Store the concoction in your fridge and apply it to your clean skin as needed
Not all companies sell pure biodegradable compounds as they claim . “Organic” ingredients are supposed to be plant-sourced ingredients that are cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals, irradiation, or pesticides. However, given the lack of regulations, it is always a question as to whether or not these products actually are made according to the claims about their formulations .Adding to the confusion is the fact that even though lots of cosmetic products actually do contain organic ingredients, they also may contain synthetic ingredients, so the term “Organic” doesn’t apply to the entire formula.
READ INGREDIENT LABELS because the ingredient list on the back of products cannot deceive you – as the sellers legally HAVE TO list each and every ingredient in their product. Don’t go by the advertising saying “natural” or “organic”, go by the ingredients.
Here are a few companies that really do back up their claims of having “natural” or “organic” products and contain no synthetic chemicals of any kind.
-Aubrey Organics ( http://www.aubrey-organics.com )
-Terressentials ( http://www.terressentials.com )
-Suki ( http://www.sukisnaturals.com )
