Paraben Free Skin Care

Forgive me if this post gets a little "preachy," but I thought this information was too critical to not pass on.  Do you know what parabens are?  I hate to admit, but I wasn't very knowledgable on the subject...  I recognized this word from the ingredient list of many of the bottles in my shower, but I assumed it was just another ingredient in the mix and nothing more.  However, when a friend told me that doctors found traces of parabens in the tumor they removed from her breast cancer surgery, I was utterly shocked.  That reality check was all I needed to get myself in the know..and NOW!

When I googled "paraben definition," three separate definitions all looked almost identical to this: "paraben: an antifungal ingredient commonly used as preservatives in skin care products that is linked to hormonal changes in the body as well as an increased risk of breast cancer."

What?!  And to think I've been blindly putting these parabens into my body.  Uh-uh, not anymore!  This was the kick in the pants I needed to revamp my skincare for a paraben-free regiment.  

If this post is at all is intriguing, inspiring, or a skin care game-changer for you, I suggest you start here: The Cosmetic Database.  This database lists the stats on most brands of makeup, shampoo, toothpaste, and skincare products.  Use to find out what's really natural, paraben free, which brands have higher risk factors, the list goes on.  But, beware - this is a major time suck, I spent a good hour and a half scouring this website before I managed to pull myself away.

From this website, I discovered Yes To brand.  This brand uses natural ingredients and is entirely paraben free.  I originally bought the Yes to Cucumber face wipes and Yes to Tomatoes clear skin moisturizer on Amazon, but last week I discovered Target is now carrying the brand, hooray!  Products are affordable, with fresh scents, and leave your skin feeling healthy and clean.  

Here's another perspective on the paraben free trend via real simple.  While I'd like to eventually try and go all natural, it's been pricy to make the switch.  As of now, my game plan has been to try and cut out the amount of paraben products I use, see what new products I like, and keep up the momentum. 
Have you found any must-try paraben free products you'd like to share?

image/weheartit

15 comments

Jenny said...

Thanks for the helpful tips. Like you, I had heard the word before, in fact,. It was something I was already avoiding when I'd see bottles at the store claiming to be without I'd buy them but didn't really know why...

Lindsay said...

I'm currently making the transition myself, so I'd love to for you to keep us updated with what you try. I love the EOS brand, but I wish they carried more products. I use

Leslie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I totally didn't know about this! My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so I'm going to be changing all my products immediately. This is so scary, but I really appreciate you sharing.

KK said...

I started making this switch last year, and I also use the 'Yes To' brand, but I've also started using a lot of Aveda products. Again, this is a pricey switch, but I feel better about it. The last items I need to switch is my makeup, which will be rough!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I had no idea about any of this, I didn't even recognize the word! Thanks for passing along the helpful info!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

So I went to my makeups website -Chantecaille - and they are paraben free, yay! I love this makeup, they have it at the Bellevue and downtown Nordstrom!

Mrs. Buck said...

I recently decided to make the switch to natural skin care products too - some of my current faves are
1. coconut oil for just about anything - but mainly as moisturizer,
2. this tallow lotion (http://www.vintagetradition.com/) for my face and
3. this natural deodorant http://www.etsy.com/listing/35641572/deodorant-cream

Keep us posted on what other products you find that work.

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

I get to nervous when it comes to product because I want to be sure it's safe!

Ashlee Gadd said...

This is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I really need to go through my bathroom cabinets and make the switch. Here's a list of paraben-free brands: http://thegoodhuman.com/2011/08/16/name-brand-companies-making-paraben-free-skin-care-products/

Lea said...

OMG! I'm doing this right now! Thank you for the info. I am especially concerned being pregnant and all! I did register for Burts Bees for the babies! Have a great weekend! ( :

mina said...

I became allergic to parabens/fromaldahyde releasing agents in my early 20s. I think it's ridiculous that they're allowed to put that stuff in so many products that we use... not just make up.

If I use anything with certain ingredients on my face, my eyes swell up and my skin gets red and itchy and stays like that for days.

I've been using organic, cold pressed coconut oil for everything lately. It sounds strange and counter intuitive to put oil on your face, but you can do the research and it's been amazing for me.

Brittany said...

thanks for this post! i've been working on a post on my beauty products and this is a good reminder. i love the yes to... brand and also burt's bees sensitive products. i use their day and night cream. whole foods started selling really good shampoo, conditioner, and lotion that is reminiscent of bath and body works but without all of the nasty add-ins. I think the brand is Desert Essence.

GardenGirl said...

This is exactly why I started Garden Girl Skin Care 7 years ago. It's so important to understand what we are putting on our bodies because so much gets absorbed through our skin. It's eye opening once you start paying attention. The other one to really consider is phthalates. Those have been in the news a lot recently. Bad stuff! If you are interested, please take a look at our line of paraben-free, phthalate-free, petroleum-free, sulfate-free skin care and bath & body products. http://www.gardengirlskincare.com

LaurieChism said...

I found an awesome new line that is completely paraben free and prices that don't break the bank.
I have been using Earthtopia cosmetics for the last month and my skin looks and feels great.
I got a $100 worth of makeup for $50 cant beat that deal !
www.everydaybeautiful.org

Unknown said...

cara mudah mengencangkan kulit wajah In addition to using nutrient-rich soaps and lotions that provide greater moisture we can also use some natural remedies that will increase its hydration
how to moisturize your skin home