Thorough exploration of paraben-free options

Lately, dermatologists, specialists and hair care experts have been talking about a hot topic: paraben-free products. In the past, advertisements for shampoos and conditioners containing harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates were everywhere, often promoted by influencers, YouTubers and celebrities. However, recent scientific research has shed light on the dangers these products pose to our scalp health. So people are returning to natural options.

Human hair is basically a structure made up of a special protein called keratin, lipids from the sebaceous glands and the pigment melanin.  The inner layers of the hair shaft, called the cortex and medulla, and the outer layer, the cuticle, are supplied by blood. Blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients to the scalp skin and hair follicles. 

When chemical products come into contact with the outer cuticle of the hair and skin, abnormal symptoms like dryness or excessive oiliness of the skin, itching and rapid hair loss may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to use sulfate-free & paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. 

But just how can you tell which shampoos contain natural substances? In this article, we’ll look at what parabens are, why they’re used in beauty products, and how to find paraben-free shampoos. Restoring your hair to its former glory and detoxifying your skin from harsh chemicals starts here; let’s get started!

paraben free shampoo features

What is paraben free?

Paraben-free meaning hair care products that do not contain a group of synthetic compounds called parabens. Manufacturers use them in cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, skincare, some foods, and personal care items, but mostly in shampoos. Indeed, they prevent the build-up of mold and bacteria; therefore, extend shelf life. But besides that, scientists have recently raised concerns that parabens may be linked to some health problems. As a result, th concerns are making people turn to paraben-free products.

The most common parabens that are used in products are:

  • Methylparaben
  • Ethylparaben
  • Propylparaben
  • Butylparaben
  • Isobutylparaben
  • Benzylparaben

In paraben free cosmetics, they either use an alternative preservative instead of paraben or produce organic shampoos. That’s why, you should get into the habit of reading product ingredients to break the habit of using parabens, which cause hair loss and prevent hair growth by attacking the hair follicle and epidermis. So, now please read on to learn how to create a routine for paraben free hair care.

paraben-free beauty products

How does paraben affect your hair?

What you put on your hair and scalp often ends up in your pores and blood. The skin absorbs parabens easily, so they get into your bloodstream and urine. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what you put on your body.

You may experience these symptoms if your skin absorbs products with parabens:

  • It may irritate your scalp,
  • You may experience dryness of the hair and scalp,
  • Dyed hair may fade faster,
  • It may increase the rate of hair shedding and thinning.
  • It triggers allergic reactions and aggravates skin conditions.
  • The result of their combination with sodium sulphate, alcohol, propylene glycol, etc. is unknown.
  • It can also mimic estrogen in the body and cause hormonal dysfunction,
  • Recent studies suggest a possible link to reproductive health issues due to hormonal disruption.
  • It may cause rapid aging and wrinkling of the skin.

Research about paraben

The cosmetics giants have been using parabens (PBs) in the cosmetics industry since the 1920s. In fact, in the beauty industry, they prefer this product to increase the shelf life. They most commonly use this chemical at 0.1% to 0.8% in the following products:

  • shampoos
  • conditioners
  • soaps
  • foams
  • shaving creams
  • skincare products

Research on paraben shows that this substance may be associated with breast cancer. They suggest that it may cause breast cancer due to their endocrine disrupting properties. The formulators still think that these para hydroxybenzoic acid esters have low toxicity because there is not enough research available to claim otherwise.

Where are they found?

Manufacturers prefer to use parabens in cosmetics, food, and medicine.

Cosmetics that may contain parabens include:

  • moisturizers, toothpastes, make-up, hair care lotions, sunscreens, and shaving products.
  • Many popular deodorant brands are now free of parabens, although some may contain some.
  • Shampoos containing parabens have not been approved by the FDA. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetic products or ingredients other than color additives are not subject to FDA approval before they are marketed. Therefore, it is very important to do your own research when choosing these products [1]. 

Is paraben free the same as sulfate free​?

No, “paraben-free” and “sulfate-free” are different and refer to different types of ingredients. The sulfate is useful in removing oil from the hair rather than extending the shelf life. The main reason why people avoid sulphate is that it dries the scalp. Thus, it slows hair growth and causes hair loss. In brief, sulphate-free and paraben-free products are defined as follows:

Paraben-free:

It indicates that the product is free of parabens, which are synthetic preservatives used to protect against microbial growth.

Sulfate-free:

This means that the product is sulfate-free, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Those are surfactants used to foam and cleanse.

Some experts suggest that both products may be harmful to human health. So that, people can prefer body cleaning products including shampoo, foam, soap produced from organic materials.  As an example, you can examine Perseus’s post hair transplant shampoo. 

FAQs

  1. Is paraben more harmful to men than to women?

Scientists have found that women have higher concentrations of parabens in urine than men. In early childhood, maternal exposure to BuP may trigger the risk of obesity. 

2. Is paraben carcinogenic?

Researchers have revealed that parabens can disrupt the normal functioning of breast cells. Potentially affecting the growth of these cells could lead to the development of breast cancer [2].

3. Is paraben banned in the US?

The US government has given the green light to parabens in cosmetics and food. However, because there’s a lot of demand for paraben-free products, some brands have started making more products with natural ingredients. 

4. Can parabens cause infertility?

Some studies indicate that exposure to specific parabens, including PrP, BuP, and HeP, in female partners may be associated with lower fertility and an increased risk of infertility. 

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