“Paraben Free” is one of the latest trends in personal care products labeling. What is paraben and for what purpose is it used? When did we determine that paraben-free was a good thing? Parabens are a family of chemicals that are used in formulations to protect the product and the consumer.
Parabens protect against the growth of microorganisms including harmful bacteria and mold. Parabens are preservatives. So, if parabens exist to protect the product and the consumer, why all the concern about parabens?
Parabens can be found in the ingredient-list for moisturizers and shaving products, makeup and hair care. Parabens can be identified by their names, according to the FDA, including methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben. They are widely used to protect against microorganism contamination and extend shelf life. Cosmetics now last much longer giving the consumer more time to use it. Sounds like a good thing, right?
The fuss comes from reports that parabens enter the body through the skin and that they may have unwanted side effects. What does the science say? The FDA says, “Parabens have not been shown to be harmful as used in cosmetics, where they are present only in tiny amounts.”
However, consumer demands, not science, may play a much more significant role in determining whether you eliminate parabens from your product.
A perfect historical example is the product Bendectin in the 1970s. Bendectin was the leading treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP.) When an article appeared in the National Enquirer blaming Bendectin for birth-defects, people sued the manufacturer. The cost of defending against the lawsuits convinced the manufacturer to discontinue the product. There are similar examples today.
For companies creating products in the cosmetics and personal care industry, the question of whether to use parabens or not in your product is a valid and potentially significant question.
Are you marketing your product to appeal to consumers who want “chemical-free” products? Will it impact your Skin Deep® score? How long does your product need to be protected against harmful bacteria and mold? Would other preservatives perform the same function without harming the market position of the product? Or, would other preservatives create new concerns?
When you consider your ingredients from this point of view instead of a “parabens are bad” or “parabens are good,” position, you’ll be better able to answer for your product, “Why parabens?” And for that matter, you’ll also be able to answer, “Why not?”
