As the first in a three-part series on the most misunderstood cosmetic and personal care ingredients, we explore the current scientific understanding of the use of parabens in cosmetics, with a specific focus on the EU’s Regulation 1223/2009 framework.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created huge waves of change in consumer thinking, with hygiene, finance and science now the sharp focus in beauty, potentially spelling the end of preservative fears and the free-from movement, says WGSN.
Bioprocessed algal cells can break down some hazardous and persistent cosmetic chemical pollutants, including parabens, phthalates and sulphates, but more research is required to fully understand this activity and upscale application, a review finds.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added butylparaben to its Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) because of its endocrine-disrupting properties – companies importing or producing products containing the substance now have six...
Preservatives have long been vilified as a ‘harmful’ ingredient, but a deeper understanding of hygiene and contamination brought about by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may well validate their usage.
The use of cosmetics containing butylparaben during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of children becoming obese, according to new research.
Research carried out by a group of scientists in Poland has pointed to low sperm count and chromosome abnormalities in individuals exposed to a variety of parabens.
Although research continues to conclude that the paraben preserving agents used widely in cosmetics pose no threat to human health, consumer enthusiasm for products able to make ‘paraben-free’ claims remains robust, and brands are making the most of the...
Following another request to update its opinion on propyl- and butylparaben, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has ruled that the parabens are not posing any health risk in the amounts currently used.
Parabens are safe to use as cosmetics preservatives although use levels for some of the compounds in the family should be reduced, according to a European safety committee.
The industry awaits the judgement on parabens following the release of further data on skin absorption and the distribution of the chemicals in the body.
The removal of parabens by some cosmetic manufacturers is a reaction to “outrageous claims” made by the media and pressure from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not consumer pressure, according to Dene Godfrey from S Black.
The launch of a paraben-free hair care range specifically designed
for use on synthetic wigs and hairpieces highlights new market
opportunities for the chemical-free trend.
![Searches for 'paraben-free' peaked in July 2020 and in 2022 consumers are now increasingly focused on safety and hygiene [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/08/08/wgsn-preservatives-report-says-safety-and-hygiene-now-consumer-focus-post-covid/15667323-2-eng-GB/WGSN-preservatives-report-says-safety-and-hygiene-now-consumer-focus-post-COVID.jpg)
![The 'majority of algal species' can accumulate carbohydrate compounds and capture chemicals and metals, offering promise for remediation of certain cosmetic chemical pollutants [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/formulation-science/algae-biotech-for-remediation-of-cosmetic-chemical-pollutants-promising-says-review/13129170-1-eng-GB/Algae-biotech-for-remediation-of-cosmetic-chemical-pollutants-promising-says-review.jpg)
