Demystifying Parabens: Why They Are Essential for Your Makeup. Are Parabens bad for you?

Hi there,

I'm Amy, the founder of Cloudicos. I hope you're doing well. I'm writing this blog today to share some insights on a topic that has been causing quite a stir in the beauty industry - parabens. Over the years, there's been a lot of fuss around parabens in cosmetics, and I believe it's time we clear the air and debunk some common misconceptions. I've been asked on TikTok why I use parabens in some of our products, so here's why!

Firstly, let's understand what parabens are. They are a family of related chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetic products. This means they prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, keeping our products safe and extending their shelf life. Essentially, parabens protect you and your products.

You may have noticed several products marketed as 'paraben-free', accompanied by some degree of fear-mongering about the supposed harmful effects of parabens. This is an age-old marketing trick, often used to create a 'clean' beauty narrative.

Extensive research has been conducted on parabens, with the majority of studies failing to link them to health concerns. In fact, organisations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have declared parabens safe for use in cosmetics at appropriate concentrations. A 2019 comprehensive scientific review published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology also concluded that parabens do not pose a significant health risk.
Especially in cosmetic formulations the percentage used is enough to keep your products from going off, but isn't significant in the formulation to cause harm - let alone coupled with the fact you're applying a little bit of makeup at a time, it's nearly impossible to have side effects.

Moreover, 'paraben-free' does not automatically mean 'better' or 'safer'. In some cases, paraben substitutes have not been researched as thoroughly, and could be potentially more harmful. Our priority is to ensure the products you love are not just effective, but safe too. Using well-studied, FDA-approved preservatives like parabens helps us achieve this.

Another thing worth noting is that not all products need parabens or even preservatives for that matter. For instance, powder-based cosmetics typically do not require them. So, when you see 'paraben-free' on products where parabens are irrelevant, it might just be an unnecessary marketing ploy.

At Cloudicos, we don't bother with the 'anti ingredient' marketing claims and just make good, effective formulations! And they are always skin safe.

At the end of the day, our main goal is to be transparent with you about the ingredients we use in our products. We believe in the power of informed choices. Parabens, when used appropriately, provide an essential function in preserving the integrity and safety of our products. And you deserve nothing less than safe, high-quality makeup.

Of course, it's completely fine to prefer paraben-free products if they work better for you. The beauty of the cosmetics industry is its diversity. But I encourage you not to fall prey to fear-based marketing. Instead, strive to understand the science behind your cosmetics.

I hope this information clears some concerns up and has been helpful to you!

xx

Amy