Beauty The Healthy Way With Paraben Free Makeup

By Jerry Morgan


Cosmetic items have been used to beautify and adjust the appearance of the human body since the beginning of civilization. Over the years, these products have grown and changed. The evolution has led to the inclusion of ingredients that many consider harmful. Paraben free makeup help consumers to retain the body enhancing features of makeup without exposing their skin to unnecessary danger.

In order to extend shelf life, makeup producers include parabens in their products. Parabens have a reputation for being bad for health. Some scientists associate them with cancers, noting that they behave in a similar fashion to estrogen, a hormone that is known for triggering an increase in the size of cancerous tumors. They have also found parabens in cancerous tumors.

Even though parabens are linked with potential negative effects, the regulatory bodies around the world have not found it necessary to ban products containing them. This is so because they consider the levels too low to be a cause for concern. Information about these potentially harmful ingredients is spreading rapidly. More and more people and groups are agitating for safer cosmetics. Some have even started to make their own paraben free products.

Organic makeup has grown in popularity in recent times, thanks to the plethora of information on the internet about the potential dangers of substances such as parabens. Many cosmetic companies have started to delve into all natural makeup products. They are capitalizing on a market that is growing as fast as the anti-paraben movement.

Tea tree oil is one of the natural ingredients sued to replace parabens as preservative in organic cosmetics. This essential oil comes from an Australian plant and has preservative properties. It is also great for cleansing the skin. Experts advise though, that it be used in concentrations of ten percent and less. Tea tree oil is found in both organic and non-organic skin care products.

Some producers of organic makeup use glycerin as a form of preservative. Glycerin is extracted from animal fat and vegetable oil. It is also a byproduct of soap manufacturing. Users should beware though as high concentrations of glycerin on the skin may trigger adverse reactions. The recommended quantity is a maximum of ten percent of the entire content. Most cosmetics use less than one percent though.

Another natural preservative that works as an alternative to parabens is grapefruit seed extract. As the name suggests, this extract is taken from the seeds of the grapefruit. This natural preservative is recommended for use at concentrations of two percent or less. This is to prevent potential irritation of the skin.

Wise shoppers who are searching for healthier cosmetics search through the ingredients list of the labels of products. During these searches, not only should they look out for healthier ingredients but they must also ensure that the ingredients will not have negative effects of their skin. In doing so they can identify the products that are safer.




About the Author: