If you keep a close eye on beauty product packaging you may have noticed the phrase ‘paraben free’. Most people are aware that they are better off using a product that is free from parabens but they don’t actually know what they are and why we should choose to avoid them.

Parabens are a group of chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics products to prevent microbial growth. This as two actions. The first being that is prolongs the shelf life of products and ensure the viability of the product. There are many different types of parabens in products, with the most common being methylbuty or prophyl parabens.

Since 2004 studies have shown that parabens showed up in brest tumours. However this study did not prove or suggest that the parabens caused the tumours and what the paraben levels where in normal tissues. After further extensive research since this study, the consensus was that the parabens are used in such low levels that it is implausible that is would cause a tumour.

The other problem is that parabens have some oestrogen like activity and could therefore stimulate and oestrogen driven tumour. The oestrogen activity of parabens is at least 10 000 times less than the naturally occurring oestrogen in the body, so again is very unlikely to be causative. However, parabens can cause irritation and sensitivity when used topically, though this is not common because of the low concentrations used. But if you believe you are better off safe than sorry there is an ever increasing number of companies who are removing these parabens in response to consumer concern and the desire for a more natural based beauty routine.

Thalgo have redesigned their entire range of home care products and salon products to be free of such chemicals. They have gone one step further for those who like certified organic products, as they have introduced a range that is free of all chemicals and is made up of 99% organic products, from the seed through to the packaging.

Guinot Skin Care is a vegan range and has also removed all parabens from their skin care and in salon treatments.

Amazingly enough, when I started doing this article I started looking at the products I had at home, especially the ones used by my children and was amazed to find that the QV wash I use as a daily wash for my kids still has parabens. I found this strange as so many physicians recommend this product, especially for people who suffer allergies, however parabens have been linked to causing allergies!

I was puzzled as I had always been lead to believe that is was a relatively ‘natural’ product free from ‘nasties’.

So whether you are avoiding parabens or okay with them it is still important to stay up to date on the latest scientific findings and make the best choices for you and your families health