Over the years, the two terms “Parabens” and “Sulfates” have raised many questions in the field of cosmetics. We know that they are big, fancy words but:
What are they?
What is their purpose?
Are they good or bad for you?
Generally, parabens are groups compounds that are used as a preservative in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products and also in the food industry.
Sulfates are preservatives and antioxidants, and are also used as a lathering agent in many cosmetic and pharmaceuticals.
Their History in the field of Cosmetics:
These Chemicals have been used in cosmetics since the early 1950’s. The use of these chemicals was in hopes to decrease bacteria formation and as a preservative in products.
Could they be harmful?
https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/cosmetics
Recent studies suggests that some parabens mimic the activity of the female hormone known as estrogen, excessive hormone imbalance due to estrogen is unsafe for both male and females. It may cause weird and embarrassing physical and chemical changes in the bodies of male that can lead to diseases for e.g. Gynecomastia and can cause breast cancer in females. In fact, parabens have been found present in breast tumors that lead to cancer.
As far as sulfates are concerned, they were found to break down proteins, this could lead to a degenerative affect.
However, till date, there is no scientific proof behind parabens having any connection with cancer, and it also recognizes sulfates as being safe up to a maximum concentration if they are properly rinsed off the skin.
But then again, It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
If you are not sure about parabens or sulfates being safe to use, and if you do not want to risk anything, then don’t.
And by this I do not mean to tell you to stop using cosmetics or pharmaceutical products. There are tons of products available (in the local drugstore and online) that are paraben and sulfate free.
Now, Can pharmaceutical and cosmetic paraben and sulfate be good for the hair?
The Myth that is going about these days about the effects that pharmaceutical and cosmetic paraben and sulfate can be harmful they can cause a number of problems for your hair including drying, irritating your scalp, fading your color, and even hair loss.
Well, although these are a few unproven allegations.
Does science have any positive reviews regarding the use of pharmaceutical and cosmetic paraben and sulfate free products.
In a Nutshell, sulfates have proven to be very good at getting rid of sebum or any other sort of build up in your hair.
But, a sulfate and paraben free product does not actually mean a much safer product.
Many pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies have exchanged sulfates and used other chemicals, and sometimes, that can do more harm than good.
On the other hand, some of them swap these pharmaceutical and cosmetic parabens and sulfates with other natural ingredients which do have benefits.
There are many people out there who are “see to believe” kind of people.
They study, access and test to know whether there is truth or lies in it.
We applaud this, and encourage this.
So, here are a few ways to check if a product is free from pharmaceutical and cosmetic parabens or sulfates.
Sulfates are what cause shampoos to lather.
If your shampoo lathers, it contains sulfates.
Parabens are a little tricky to test. You will have to completely rely on the label and the company’s promise.
Conclusively, we have found problems and benefits in both aspects. So we would recommend a to mix it up a little. Alternated between paraben and sulfate and Paraben-free and Sulfate-free.
See which works the best for you. And stick with that
The best shampoos for everyday use, we recommend Regenepure DR and NT Shampoos which are (sulfates and parabens FREE)
