The Truth about Parabens and Sulfates

FDA scientists continue to review published studies on the safety of parabens. At this time, we do not have information showing that parabens as they are used in cosmetics have an effect on human health. 

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. 

CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=130.9 Does FDA regulate the use of preservatives in cosmetics?

"FDA doesn’t have special rules that apply only to preservatives in cosmetics. The law treats preservatives in cosmetics the same 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 on the market." 

However, it is against the law to market a cosmetic in interstate commerce if it is adulterated or misbranded. This means, for example, that cosmetics must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label or in the customary way, and they must be properly labeled.

 

"FDA can take action against a cosmetic on the market that does not comply with the laws we enforce. However, to take action against a cosmetic for safety reasons, we must have reliable scientific information showing that the product is harmful when consumers use it according to directions on the label or in the customary way." 

Over the past years, “parabens” and “sulfates” have become huge buzzwords in beauty industry, but it seems like nobody ever tells us the reason.

Why are parabens bad for you?  

We know we’re supposed to avoid them like the plague if we listen to the main stream media and big corporations, and tons of beauty products now include that in their marketing, but we’re still not sure if we should give in to the “sulfate-free” and “paraben-free” hype. 

Or do we? So, What we know about Parabens and Sulfates? 

1. They’re chemicals found in beauty products, some lab created, some just naturally occuring in fruits and extracted for ulterior use. Parabens are chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to prevent bacteria growth, and act as a preservative in deodorants, lotions, lipsticks, shampoos, scrubs, and more. Sulfates are effective cleansing and foaming agents that can be found in toothpaste, shampoo, and body washes, among other products.

 

2. There’s an unproven chance that they’re harmful Studies on mice have shown that some parabens can mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen in the body’s cells, and while estrogenic activity is associated with certain forms of breast cancer, and parabens have been found present in breast tumors. Sulfates are concerning because they were found to break down proteins, which can lead to a degenerative effect on the cell membranes. Sulfates were also found to leave residue in the heart, lungs, and brain when ingested.

 

3. But, it hasn’t been proven! So far, there is no scientific evidence to prove that parabens have any link to getting cancer, and The Cosmetic Ingredient Review recognizes sulfates as safe up to a maximum concentration of 50 percent if they are properly rinsed off the skin. 

4. You can still take the “safe not sorry” route. If you’re weary about taking a chance using products that contain these chemicals, then don’t! There’s a wide range of beauty products that are paraben and sulfate free even at the drugstore. 

5. Sulfates are bad for your hair... They can cause a number of problems for your hair, including drying, irritating your scalp, fading your color, and even hair loss. 

6. However, sulfate-free products aren’t necessarily better. Sulfates are really good at getting rid of any build up in your hair, and with that they also take away natural oils and can leave your hair rough and dry. But, just because a product is sulfate-free, doesn’t mean you still won’t run into these problems. Many beauty companies have swapped out sulfates for other chemicals, which can sometimes be even worse. To ensure that sulfate-free products won’t further damage your hair, look for products that use fruit or vegetable-based cleansing ingredients. 

7. Sulfates can be easily identified. Sulfate is the ingredient that causes shampoos to lather. If your shampoo lathers, it contains sulfates. For a foolproof way to know if your product contains sulfates, you’ll see “sulfate” listed pretty high up on the ingredients label. 

8. Parabens are a little trickier to notice. While the most common parabens also have “paraben” in their name, such as butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben—they can also be listed as Alkyl parahydroxy benzoates. 

9. There are alternatives If you’re looking to steer clear of products that contain parabens, opt for ones that use ingredients such as ethylhexylglycerin (which is plant-derived) or phenoxyethanol (this actually creates nerve damage to the unborn babies of pregnant women), a naturally derived ether alcohol. Both are modern alternatives to parabens.

 

10. Use everything in moderation. No matter what, chemicals are chemicals and have their specific properties. Everything is best used in moderation. It’s always a good idea to switch up your beauty routine and rotate between different products, depending on your skin and hair type, condition, needs and season.

Note: FDA baned Sulfites on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables since August 1986. The regulation was based on a government study of some 500 reports of severe allergic reactions, including 13 deaths. Most involved restaurant foods. Sulfite preservatives have been used for decades to make fresh fruits and vegetables look more attractive. Sulfites keep lettuce from wilting, for example, and prevent apple slices from turning brown. They are harmless for most people. But an estimated 500,000 sensitive people, mostly asthmatics, can suffer an allergic reaction to the preservatives.