BioBare Paraben-Free Skincare Products

It is certainly true that not all beauty products are good for your skin. There are plenty of low-quality skincare products on the market that you should avoid. They either provide little to no benefit at all, do more damage than good or simply present a danger to your health. That’s why at BioBare, we base all our formulas on clinical studies to ensure they are highly effective, completely safe and perfect for anybody using them. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of parabens and paraben-free skincare products, but what exactly does that mean? And why should you seek to avoid parabens? We have the answers and more here!

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are synthetic chemicals derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (or PHBA) and are used as preservatives in a wide range of products, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and even food. Parabens are designed to provide longer shelf life to the products they’re in and to prevent harmful bacteria and mold from growing in the products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Parabens are synthetic chemicals
• They are used as preservatives to extend shelf life of products
• Parabens are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and even food

Parabens have been widely used in this capacity since the 1950s, and the most common parabens found in products are called butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. However, those paraben chemicals are also able to enter your body through your skin, which is what led to more scrutiny of their use in products.

Are Parabens Safe?

There have been many studies of parabens and their effects on human health, especially in recent years. While the studies show nothing definitive as to the potential health risks they present after they enter the body, there is evidence to suggest parabens in your body lead to a higher risk of cancer, breast cancer in particular.

Common Parabens

• Butylparaben
• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben

A 2004 study in England found traces of five parabens in the breast tissue of 19 patients out of the 20 women it studied. This study did not conclusively prove that parabens cause cancer, but did show that parabens can penetrate the skin and remain within the tissue. There is a belief that parabens disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen, which triggers an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumours. This link is believed to connect paraben used with breast cancer and reproductive tissues.

Are Parabens Regulated By the FDA?

While products are required to provide a list of ingredients in their common or usual name, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not have any special rules or regulations that apply strictly to the use of preservatives in cosmetics. Preservatives in cosmetics, including parabens, are treated the same under the law as other cosmetic ingredients. Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go to the market.

Because studies on parabens and their effects on human health are still inconclusive, the FDA doesn’t believe there is adequate evidence to restrict or ban their use in products, cosmetic or otherwise. Parabens in products are used in small amounts, unlike studies which use much higher dosages. Yet, some worry about an accumulation in the body because we are using and consuming so many products that do contain paraben.

According to the FDA website concerning paraben use in cosmetics, they say the following in regards to the current scientific research of parabens:

“FDA will continue to evaluate new data in this area. If we determine that a health hazard exists, we will advise the industry and the public, and will consider the agency’s legal options under the authority of the FD&C Act to protect the health and welfare of consumers.”

What Kind of Products Use Paraben?

As we mentioned earlier, there are several products that use parabens across a variety of industries, and cosmetic products are chief among them. In fact, researchers found parabens used in 90 percent of grocery items, including toothpastes and deodorants. Cosmetic products which can include parabens range from moisturizers and lipstick to lotions and shampoo.

We Don’t Use Sulfates Either

Another controversial beauty ingredient you’ve likely heard of by now are sulfates. Sulfates are salts that form when sulfuric acid reacts with another chemical. It’s simply a broader term for other synthetic sulfate-based chemicals like lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) that remove dirt and oil. Their intended purpose is usually in shampoos to create lather, giving a stronger impression of cleaning power.

However, sulfates are sometimes found in skincare products as well, usually derived from sulfur- and petroleum-based products. But sulfates often cause irritation to your skin as a non-natural ingredient and may clog pores and cause acne for those with sensitive skin. Therefore, BioBare uses absolutely no sulfates in any of our products.