Parabens are found in many types of skin care and body care products including moisturiser, shower gel and body lotion. Here we explain the role that parabens play in skin care preservation.
As a certified organic skin care brand, Green People creates paraben-free products because parabens are banned from use in cosmetics by UK organic certification bodies.
Green People’s paraben-free skin care contains nourishing, gentle ingredients and is suitable for sensitive skin.
What are skin care preservatives?
Preservatives are added to skin care products to stop them from growing mould and going off. The preservatives that we use help to ensure that many of our products can be safely used for up to 12 months after opening and stored for up to three years if unopened.
The preservatives that we use are those that are approved for use by organic certification bodies such as The Soil Association and the Organic Food Federation. These organisations do not permit the use of parabens in beauty products.
Parabens are an example of a preservative commonly used in skin care. Some parabens can be found in nature, others are synthetic, and several are permitted for use in skin care, cosmetics and sun cream formulations.
Examples of parabens used in cosmetics and skin care include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Are parabens banned in the UK?
Under EU law some paraben preservatives are permitted to be used in cosmetic products but their use is regulated. Those parabens still permitted to be used in cosmetics can only be used in a minimal quantity.
As of 2014 the EU prohibited the use of the following parabens in leave-on cosmetic formulations:
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Phenylparaben
- Benzylparaben
- Pentylparaben
The ban was introduced after concerns grew that some parabens could have a hormone-like effect. Such concerns had seen Denmark ban certain parabens in skin care products created for young children as long ago as 2010.
Explore our organic and paraben-free products
All of our organic cosmetics, including skin care, make-up and body products are paraben-free. Instead of parabens we use preservatives that are approved by the organic certification bodies that verify our products as certified organic skin care.
Read on to discover some of our most popular paraben-free products below.
Organic moisturiser
We use skin-friendly plant oils and extracts to deliver high performance skin care that nourishes, soothes and balances. See some of our favourite natural, paraben-free moisturisers here:
Organic body wash & lotion
Enhance your body care routine with a paraben-free shower gel and body lotion to promote soft, nourished skin. Packed with plant nourishment, our body products are gentle on sensitive skin.
Organic shampoo
Gently cleanse and care for your hair with one of our paraben-free and sodium lauryl sulphate-free shampoos.
Made with soothing Aloe Vera and shine-enhancing Quinoa Protein, these natural and organic shampoos keep hair shiny and strong.
Organic make-up
Featuring natural mineral pigments for outstanding definition, our natural and organic mascaras condition the lashes and are also gentle on sensitive eyes.
If you would like to talk with us about paraben-free skin care products or discuss the preservatives used in our cosmetics before you purchase them, our UK customer care team is available to chat and can be contacted on 01403 740350 or @GreenPeopleUK.
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