Parabens have pretty much been black-listed in the public’s mind at this point. But what are companies doing to get rid of them? What alternatives have they chosen? Have you noticed? What do you see on your labels?
Some companies insist that paraben concerns are unproven, hype-based fears, and they continue to use this family of synthetic preservatives in their formulations. Methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl paraben.
Some companies are removing parabens not for the sake of human health, but rather brand health. The mounting evidence against these ingredients hasn’t convinced them – they just want their products to keep selling, and they know that parabens are a pox on their products that will lead to declining sales and brand death if not addressed.
Still other companies have carefully considered the growing research (see Breast Cancer Fund for a brief summary) and have responsibly chosen to remove parabens from their formulations.
But what are they doing differently instead of using parabens? Are they finding ways to create quality, shelf-stable products without the use of synthetic preservatives?
Sadly, in most cases, the answer is no. The vast majority of companies who have removed parabens from their formulations, and now proudly display “paraben free” in their marketing, have simply chosen to replace them with other synthetic preservatives.
Read your labels. The most popular paraben replacement that I am seeing on labels these days is phenoxyethanol. But check out the MSDS on this synthetic chemical preservative.
Do you see that? Extremely hazardous to the eyes. Very hazardous to the skin, lungs (when inhaled), and digestive system (when ingested). Toxic to kidneys, nervous system, and liver. And note the words “not available” next to carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and developmental effects. Do you know what that means? It means that this data is not available. The studies haven’t been done. Like 89% of the 10,000+ synthetic chemicals used in the personal care industry, phenoxyethanol has not been fully evaluated for safety yet. (For the full MSDS, click here).
To be fair, the MSDS is typically for the folks working with a chemical in large batches at a lab. However, is not daily use, often multiple times a day, also “repeated and prolonged exposure” to an ingredient? As they do with most synthetic chemicals, many formulators will claim that because phenoxyethanol is used in such small amounts in their products, it must be safe. But that’s what they said for decades about parabens, too. Is history going to repeat itself on this issue?
Nowadays we know better. We know that chemicals can have cumulative effects in the body from minute daily exposures over time. We also know that chemicals act on the body in different ways when combined with other chemicals. Even if phenoxyethanol were proven completely safe in isolated studies, research would still need to be done on its combined effects with the other chemical ingredients in the products you use daily. But a quick glance at the current MSDS already shows us that it’s a hazardous material.
I used to believe that synthetic preservatives were necessary for product stability. And for years, it was a trade off I was willing to accept as a customer because naturally occurring molds and rancidity are certainly not safe for my family either. Most truly natural options I had seen, including DIY (do it yourself), were prone to going funky halfway through the jar or bottle. And if it were still the case today that there was really no way to have a shelf-stable, quality product without synthetic chemical preservatives, I’d probably say to myself, “Well, OK, if this is the best option, I guess I’m not going to obsess and worry about it.”
But the truth is, thanks to advances in ‘green’ chemistry, today there are options out there that are completely free of synthetic preservatives and still have a great shelf-life. And there have been for years now, it is just taking time for this information to get out there and combat the chemical fairy we’ve been listening to and trusting for decades. The educational and product development efforts of Miessence first opened my eyes to this fact, and a relative handful of other companies are now following their lead to move in this totally different direction, swimming upstream against the masses who are simply looking for a more socially-acceptable (because we don’t yet recognize the ingredient names), quick-fix, synthetic ingredient swap.
Instead of choosing products that have merely swapped one hazardous, synthetic ingredient for another, look for the brands that have gone above and beyond the use of synthetic chemical ingredients. If other effective, truly natural choices now exist, the precautionary principle would ask, “Why risk it?”
Lacey, you are very knowledgeable about this! Thank you for informing me!
Thanks, Danielle, for your comment. There’s always more to learn. The simplest rule is: If you don’t recognize it, or can’t pronounce it, probably better to just avoid it. 🙂
thanks for your article! Could you specify what are the natural, safe dupes for parabens, so that we can know what to look for when buying our products? thanks so much in advance and again, for your review, very useful!
Hi Alix! There are a number of different factors and options for a shelf-stable product that is free of synthetic preservatives. There are a number of essential oils and herbal extracts that have anti-microbial properties. How the ingredients are extracted and the finished product is packaged also makes a difference. But I’ll be perfectly honest with you – I am no chemist.
What I do know is that there are shelf-stable products out there nowadays with no chemical preservatives. But, there are also a lot of ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ products out there that either 1) still have the nasty preservatives or 2) don’t have the preservatives but go funky part way through the bottle. First step is to read the label – if you don’t recognize the ingredient, probably best avoided. Second step is to look around for testimonials. For example, when I first found Miessence online and checked out their organic certifications and labels, I thought, ‘yeah, but how is it staying fresh?!’ So, I did a google search and twitter search for ‘miessence’ and ‘mold.’ Nothing. And now, after using the products for so long, I can vouch for the shelf-life – and efficacy. Pretty amazing.
Whatever product you’re considering, check the labels first to avoid synthetics. When you’ve found truly natural candidates, ask around (search) to see if anyone has had mold/rancidity problems with the products. If not, you’re probably good to go! 🙂
miessence uses a body of work conducted on the effects of essential oils on the growth of moulds and bacteria. They found a number of oils such as lemongrass and thyme are very effective. Similar ingredients are also patented for use in products such as Lifebuoy as sanitizers as they are incredibly effective and natural. Products that can tolerate the fragrance of the oils are always formulated as a residual herbal note is produced.
I just read the back of my Sukin body wash and was a little horrified, to say the least. Another bottle turfed in the bin…. I must vent my frustration however at having to read the labels of brands that profess to be “green”: its not like I have a chemistry degree and I don’t have time to stand there and check every ingredient.
Off to investigate Miessence now! Thanks for the great post.
Lisa 😉
Hi Lisa, thanks for your feedback. Feel free to vent, anytime! 🙂
It is challenging understanding all the different marketing buzz words used out there, especially when each company defines them differently and there are not universally accepted standards. Even with the term ‘certified organic’ – you have to ask “certified by whom?” To food-grade organic standards, or to one of the cosmetic-grade organic standards that allow varying degrees of synthetic chemicals.
It really takes reading the back label and asking deeper questions of the company to find the ones that line up with your values, whatever they may be. At this point, I just feel very strongly that since I can get products that do not need the synthetic preservatives, and still work well and stay fresh on my shelf, I’d just rather not even risk it. Maybe phenoxyethanol is fine, maybe it’s not – but I’m glad I don’t have to waste time even wondering about it.
Have you seen Miessence before? When I first found them 2+ years ago, I spent about 3 weeks digging in and researching and verifying all their claims before becoming a customer, and then, because I was such a happy customer, becoming a Rep for them. I was just so impressed with what I found, from ingredients to their manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and marketing practices – the whole enchilada. And now I love working with them, serving my customers and teammates. If you have any questions about Miessence that I can help you with, I’d be happy to. Just ask. 😉
I’m also happy to help you evaluate any brand labels, if you want to send them to me for a red, yellow, or green light. 🙂
I really enjoyed the article and found it to be very informative. I don’t like parabens either and don’t think they have any place in cosmetic products, because there are safer alternatives available. I disagree that phenoxyethanol is a bad alternative just because there is not enough information available. The ingredient has been around and used for as long as parabens, yet it does not show up in cancerous tissue like parabens and it doesn’t mimic estrogen, like parabens.
You will find similar warnings on a MSDS on lavendar oil: Harmful , dangerous for the environment, flammable, irritating to skin and eyes, may cause sensitization by skin contact, very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. Avoid release to the environment. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately.
This doesn’t make lavender oil bad if they’re in safe quantities in products. I venture to say the same goes for phenoxyethanol.
Another great article regarding toxic skin care ingredients can be found here http://www.soboskincare.com/15-toxic-skincare-ingredients-to-avoid-a/286.htm
Thanks for your comments, Christina. I didn’t realize that phenoxyethanol had been around as long as parabens. Do you have a source for that? I’ve only seen it in more recent years.
Agreed that natural ingredients can be toxic too, especially when considering proportions. I just personally prefer to take my chances with the organic ingredients my body would be more likely to know how to process, than the synthetic ones. 🙂