Fortunately, we are becoming increasingly aware of our health and more critical of the quality of cosmetic products. You have therefore probably heard of parabens and sulfates. But what exactly are they? And is it harmful? Why better choose shampoo bar and cosmetic products without ingredients such as parabens and sulphates? Read on quick!
What are Parabens
Parabens are one
preservative and in that sense very functional. They ensure a longer shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeasts. You can use products for much less time without preservatives. Parabens are also known as: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben and Butylparaben.
What are Sulfates
Sulphates are cleansing foams that are mainly in shampoo and soap. Sulphates give that foaming effect to cosmetic products. They clean your hair and skin from sebum and dirt. Sulphates come in different forms; from mild to very aggressive. The two most common sulfates are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Are sulfates good or bad
Are sulfates good or bad for your skin and hair? Sulfates extract grease and oil leaving the surface thoroughly clean, so that's good. Unfortunately, they also remove your natural oil layer. These natural fats protect your skin and hair and the (main) skin needs to stay healthy and supple. Without this natural protective layer, your skin becomes dry and irritated, your hair dull and dry. As compensation, more sebum is produced, with a disturbed natural balance and skin irritation as a result.
Fortunately, there are also natural alternatives to sulfates. These are mild and not harmful to your skin and hair. They do not affect your natural protective mechanism so that your (main) skin becomes and remains healthy. This is reflected in radiant skin and shiny hair.
Tea Tree facial cleanser - Detox soap
Parabens in shampoo and cosmetics
Parabens are used in medicines, foodstuffs, household cleaners and certain types of ink, glue, paint and in cosmetic products such as shampoo and cosmetics. Here too, parabens act as a preservative. Preserving cosmetics is important; If shampoo or cosmetics are contaminated by bacteria, this is at least as harmful as chemical substances. It can cause allergic reactions or acne. Fortunately, there are also natural ingredients that can be used as a preservative. We at Flow prove it with ours
cosmetics not inferior in effectiveness and results.
Dangers of parabens
There is still debate about the dangers of parabens. Some claim that they are not harmful to health and the environment. There are studies that prove otherwise, such as that of
Reading 1. That is why environmental defense already came up with the campaign fifteen years ago “
you lubricate non-toxic? ”. But more recent studies 23 also show that parabens are worse than is believed. Also is
demonstrated that parabens affect the fertility of laboratory animals.
It should be remembered that such studies use a much higher concentration of parabens than we put on our skin and in our hair. So whether the parabens in cosmetics really pose a direct health hazard to your health is still unclear. In any case, they fall under the category
endocrine disrupting substances. All in all, enough reasons for us to keep the entire Flow cosmetics range free of parabens!
Paraben free products
Pay close attention when buying paraben-free products, especially when they are cheap. Almost always other (harmful) substances have been added and you are probably even further away from home. Our cosmetic products are therefore not only free of parabens and sulfates, but 100% pure, natural and organic. Guaranteed not harmful to your health or the environment!
Recognize parabens
One way to find out what substances are in cosmetics is the INCI list. This is the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients where the ingredients are described in the same way in alphabetical order. This way you can easily recognize harmful substances such as parabens or other harmful substances such as sulphates.
The ingredients of our
facial products are wild grown or certified organic, appear naturally in essential oil or are Ecocert or COSMOS approved. Not only good for your health, but also for the environment. With
cosmetic products without parabens, sulfates or other harmful substances
beauty really becomes clean.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have questions about the ingredients or components of the products of Flow cosmetics?
Please contact us
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