The words “paraben or preservatives” have invaded our cosmetics but are they real interest or fad? Products replace parabens worth better? Not so sure.
For forty years, parabens protect our beauty products of fungi, yeasts and bacteria. These molecules are effective preservatives, no irritants, regulated. So why are they gradually withdrawn from the market?
ORIGINALLY DOUBTS ABOUT PARABENS
In the 2000s, Japanese researchers note that two common parabens in our creams – the propyl and butylparabens – have similar activity to estrogens, female sex hormones, on cells in the laboratory. Furthermore, sperm production is reduced in rodents who eat!
Then Professor Darbre, a British researcher observed their presence in biopsies of breast tumors. She hypothesizes that accumulate in the breast and can promote the development of cancers.
PARABENS, VERY FRAMED INGREDIENTS
“These ingredients are monitored. In 1999, 2005, 2006 and 2008, the Scientific Committee of the European Commission has worked on this issue, with particular attention to male fertility, says Catherine Desmares, director of assessment for cosmetic products and biocides to AFSSAPS. For now, we have not observed risk objectively. ”
Studies are insufficient and contradictory; the toxic effect on human reproduction has not been formally demonstrated.The findings of a new study being analyzed are expected soon. Moreover, the severe yet traditionally non-governmental organization Greenpeace does not retain parabens as substances of concern in his Cosmetox guide.
CONSERVATIVES REPLACING PARABENS ARE THEY SAFER?
The suspicion now hovering over parabens, laboratories have turned to other conservatives. The charter authorizes bio sorbic or benzoic acid, alcohol benzoic acid Dehydroacetic.
A PHOBIA OF PARABENS WAS CREATED
“It’s never as preservatives allowed by European regulations, but they are less efficient. They do not preserve the same microbes, says Laurence Coiffard researcher cosmetology teacher at the University of Nantes. There was certainly a fad that is not based on science. A phobia of parabens has been created then they are well known, well controlled and relatively safe. In addition, the alternatives are afraid of new peaks allergies. ”
ALLERGIES CAUSED BY ORGANIC OR NATURAL MIXTURES
For proof, Martine Baspeyras dermatologist sees increase intolerances antimicrobial essential oils and organic or natural irritations mixtures. For example allergies Kathon, a former Conservative back.
The ideal alternative to reduce the amount of preservatives in cosmetic formulations is to buy packaged in airless bottles (without air). The problem is that this solution has, in practice, a higher cost.
SO WHY PARABENS ARE THEY REMOVED?
“In a period where innovation is rare, it was easy, it was fashionable,” says dermatologist. A new window has opened and industrial. Parabens, a tree that hides the forest? Even Prof. Charles Sultan, a pediatric endocrinologist and signed the petition for their removal, acknowledges that “the experimental data are poor. It is a comprehensive reflection to reduce exposure to chemicals.”
