Why do cosmetic industries use parabens in their products?

I've heard that these can lead to cancer. I don't use products with parabens anymore.Why do cosmetic industries use parabens in their products?
Parabens is necessary for the products to exist on a shelve. Now there are regulations on the amount that should be use. My company uses less the the minimal allowed and we are a botanical based company, but otherwise the products would not last.





what are they


Parabens are esters of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid. They are used as safe and effective preservatives in cosmetic,


food and drug formulations and protect against yeast, molds and bacteria.





why they’re included


When it comes to complex formulations, Arbonne prides itself on safety as part of its pure, safe, beneficial


philosophies. Preservatives are essential in maintaining the integrity of these formulations and we formulate


with “broad spectrum” preservative systems to protect against oxidation as well as contamination.


When formulating with both oil and water based ingredients, you must use two types of preservative systems


to ensure long term safety. Antioxidants, commonly known as “natural preservatives” protect oils from


oxidizing or going rancid.


Where many natural ingredients have some antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, they do not meet the


stringent guidelines stipulated by the FDA for consumer safety.


Because Arbonne’s unique formulations are oil-in-water emulsions, we must use the parabens to offer broadspectrum


protection from the yeast, molds and bacteria that are common in our environment and naturally


occurring in water. It is absolutely necessary to support natural antioxidants, which protect the oils, with


broad-spectrum preservatives that protect the water phase. Only these complex and safe systems ensure


long-term safety for the consumer.


the facts


Parabens are practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing in the human population with normal skin and


are safe for use in cosmetic formulations as outlined by the governing institutions, FDA, CTFA %26amp; CIR. However,


paraben sensitization has been reported when paraben-containing medicaments have been applied to broken


skin, specifically, or when used in concentrations exceeding 1%. Arbonne uses less than 0.5%.


for more information


Please refer to the following:


Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board @ www.cir-safety.org


Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association @ www.ctfa.org


U.S. Food and Drug Administration @ www.fda.govWhy do cosmetic industries use parabens in their products?
Paraben is just a binder, with a parafin base to make it stick.


Just about everything, according to one source or another can lead to cancer.


You probably look better without makeup anyway.
NOT using parabens is worse than using them. The reason is because without them yeasts and bacteria can grow in your cosmetics and cause infections.





In all actuality make-up without parabens is more dangerous. Think about how long your make-up is exposed and allow bacteria from the air and from your skin to grow..
parabens is a stabilizer in the cosmetic industry;


contrary to rumors that it is unsafe;


new research showed it is otherwise;


almost any ingredient contains some debate over safety;


if you're concerned, look for products containing methylparaben and propylparaben. :-)