Skin Cream Emulsifiers, Preservatives and Stabilisers - what to avoid and why.

PARABENS

Typically, Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben - Used as moUld and other microbe inhibitors to extend shelf life. They are very effective at doing so and are universally utilized in cosmetics as a result. It has long been known that sensitive people can have allergic reactions to these substances. However more recently there have been suggestions that they can have an oestrogenic effect, i.e. mimic hormones, when absorbed through the skin. There is also research to show cancer causing potential, or mutagenicity associated with parabens and related preservatives.

Preservatives are essential in most products and safer, if less robust, alternatives are grapefruit seed extract and potassium sorbate.

FRAGRANCES

These are mostly complex artificial chemicals and can often cause allergic reactions. Again, being chemicals, most enlightened manufacturers believe the risks associated with them are too great. We choose not to use even natural fragrances simply because there is no point.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

A form of antifreeze and brake fluid made specifically for cosmetics. It is derived from mineral oil and apart from the fact that we like to avoid all mineral oil derived substances,it can be drying and irritating for the skin. There are suggestions that it can have carcinogenic effects over the long term.

SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE

Like all of the above it is conventionally considered safe but can be irritating on the skin and also is implicated as a carcinogen although this is disputed. Best to play safe in our opinion.

MINERAL OIL

Blocks the pores and irritates the skin. Many people are sensitive to mineral oil that is generally more irritating than vegetable alternatives.

LANOLIN

Some people are sensitive to Lanolin but worst of all is that it has been found to be contaminated with several carcinogenic pesticides.