As skin care products become more organic and natural, preservatives are needed to prevent the ingredients from spoiling. If a product is labeled “parabens-free,” it does not mean that it is preservative-free.  There must be a preservative in products that contain natural or organic components to allow for shelf life, or the products will rot.Parabens have a 50-year history as effective preservatives.  This track record is the reason that many scientists and medical professionals absolutely believe that parabens are the best option for skin care formulations. Unfortunately, the newer preservatives have no track record, and may have unknown, or even worse, consequences.

But what exactly are Parabens, and why are they getting so much negative criticism?

First of all, parabens are actually derived from nature. In fact, ALL plants produce some natural preservative, often p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Certain plants, such as cucumbers, carrots, and olives, actually produce parabens to protect themselves from attacks by microorganisms. (Bach M et al, Plant Physiol, 103(2),  1993); (Aziz N et al, Microbios 93(374), 1998); Smith-Becker J et al, Plant Physiol, 116(1), 1998); (Dweck A, “Natural Preservatives”, Cosmet Toilet, Aug 2003).

This makes sense, since destruction by bacteria of a natural organic product is the same, whether the bacteria attacks a plant in the wild, or a botanical ingredient in a bottle.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens.” (2002 Prof Zoe Draelos, Summer Scientific Meeting, New York, AAD, 2002).

In fact, two common parabens, Methylparaben and Propylparaben, which are used widely in cosmetic skin products, are also used to preserve spices, black and green teas, beer, fruit juices, jams, and wine.

The US Food and Drug Administration, and other national agencies worldwide, have also approved parabens as a direct food additive in amounts ranging from 0.0001% to 0.10%. When we EAT vegetables that contain parabens naturally, they obviously enter the human body, are digested, and are eliminated in the urine. (Metcalf D, et al, Food Allergy: Adverse Reactions to Foods and Food Additives, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1991).

We now live in an age where scare tactics and misleading information are used to market products.  Frightening information, whether accurate or not, always gets headlines.  Unfortunately, the more frightening and negative, the bigger the headline.

But remember, if a product is termed “parabens-free,” it does not mean it is preservative free. Every skin care product that has natural ingredients must have a preservative.  If it is not a paraben, then it has to be another preservative.  But the new preservatives have not been used nearly as long as parabens.  In time, we may find out that these newer preservatives have serious side effects and consequences, which we do not know as of now.

In summary, remember:

1) Parabens are a naturally derived preservative.  Plants produce parabens, naturally, to protect themselves from bacterial deterioration.  We use them the same way to protect our skin products.

2) Parabens are a safe, FDA approved food preservative with a 50-year track record, and are used in almost all food items to prolong shelf life.

3) All skincare products must contain some type of preservative prevent bacterial growth, and to ensure shelf life. It is better to use parabens, which is a naturally derived, FDA approved preservative that has been used in food items for over 50 years, than a new, untested preservative with no long-term track record.  Why take a chance on a new preservative that, in the future, may be shown to have dangerous side effects?

4) Skincare products that do contain parabens usually have them in minute concentrations. In the kaplanMD Skincare line, there is a less than 0.0001% parabens concentration to ensure stability of the 10 active ingredients.