Are Parabens bad in cosmetics? At VClaire Natural Beauty we choose to provide cosmetics that are natural, organic, vegan with active ingredients and results driven. The more we discuss ingredients at HQ, the more we solidify our strong desire to spread our message: cosmetics with a conscience. Simply put, every ingredients our ranges, Centella, Couleur Caramel and Najel use are selected with purpose, to give our skin and health benefits rather than compromise by using controversial synthetic ingredients.
An ingredient that many may have heard of is paraben: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propyllparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben – anything ending in paraben! They have been used for decades as cosmetic industries grew and mass production increased. Parabens are a synthetic and cheap way to preserve cosmetics: hair care, skin care, deodorants, sun creams… they are said to be anti-microbial for longer preservation of your products. Controversy arose in the 90s and over the past twenty years, many papers have been published after research trials were carried out; the best known being Philippa Dabre from the University of Redding, UK. In the study, it was discovered that parabens disrupt the endocrine system in men and women.
Parabens may exacerbate or play a role in cancer formation, it gives us food for thought. These chemicals penetrates skin and it’s something that our organs have to process; another substance to break down and excrete. How many cosmetics do you use in a day? Parabens are only the tip of the iceberg.
Many products have become “paraben free” which is stated on their packaging. Natural products, like our ranges, use plant alcohols and essential oils which are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and give a natural scent. You will see this written at the end of the ingredient list, for example: geraniol, linalool, limonene, etc.
We simply like to give you more choice: high quality products with awesome plant based ingredients that are created by environmentally sound companies… what’s not to love! Check out this comparison for yourself.. which tempts you more?!


Well known high-street skincare brand serum €68 30ml versus Centella’s Ultra-concentrate Anti-Age Serum €68 30ml


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