Many consumers are looking now for products that do not use these substances. But it is difficult, regardless of the price range, to find appropriate products. In this article we provide you a list of brands that offer makeup without parabens, phthalates and silicones.

What do Parabens do in makeup?

Parabens are a type of preservative used in a wide variety of cosmetics, including makeup, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. They are added to water-containing cosmetics in order to avoid the development of bacteria in the contained water. The parabens, however, are highly controversial because of their impact on the human hormonal balance. More and more countries around the globe are imposing strict maximum limits for the use of parabens on the human skin. Some countries, such as Denmark, have already banned them from cosmetic products, all together.

Does all makeup have parabens?

Not all makeup contains parabens. There has been growing concern over the side effects of long-term exposure to parabens. As a result, many cosmetic companies have started producing paraben-free products. These products use alternative preservatives that are believed to be safer, such as mineral substances. If you’re looking to avoid parabens, it’s important to read product labels carefully. Parabens are usually easy to identify by their name, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben. Continue reading and you will get to know brands that do without parabens.

Is paraben bad in cosmetics?

Parabens don’t directly provide benefits to the skin but are used to stabilize the formulation and prevent microbial growth.

However, there are some concerns about their potential effects:

Skin Irritation: With prolonged use, parabens may cause dry skin conditions. The exposed skin may develop rash, swelling, pain, cracks, and various other issues.

Hormone Disruption: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and are considered endocrine disruptors. This can cause changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid, and immune function.

Cancer Risk: Some studies have shown that parabens can affect the mechanisms of normal breast cells and potentially influence their abnormal growth, leading to an increased risk for breast cancer.

However, it’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that there is currently no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of parabens in cosmetic products. The actual incidence of allergy and true allergic contact dermatitis to parabens is very low, less than 2 percent.

If you’re concerned about parabens in your skincare products, it’s always a good idea to read product labels carefully or consult with a dermatologist.

The function of parabens can already be replaced by plant based ingredients such as essential oils or various harmless acids in order to prevent impurities and to combat the formation of germs, bacteria and fungi.

Why are Phthalates used in make-up?

Phthalates are used to plasticize the products, making them more flexible or better able to hold in color and scent. From nail polish to scented lip stick these chemicals are used in a variety of makeup products, usually listed as “fragrance.”

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are suspected to be disruptive to the endocrine system, which is responsible for the hormone production. The effects of phthalates are related to their ability to mimic human hormones. A study by the University of Maryland reported that exposure to phthalates could cause reproductive abnormalities and decreased production of testosterone in males, as well as decreased male fertility. Other studies show a link between phthalates and premature delivery and endometriosis in females.

Why are silicones used in makeup?

Silicones make sure that makeup, foundation, eye shadows or lipsticks can be applied smoothly and keep the colors for hours. As soon as the silicones react with the heat of the skin the moisture evaporates and solid particles remain, make them feel powdery and hold the color pigments.

Silicones are especially controversial because of their effect on the environment. In particular, the silicones that are used in large quantities in hair care products. Via the sewage and sludge they are included in fertilizers and get washed into rivers, lakes and groundwater.

Silicones can be easily detected on the list of ingredients on the product packaging. They usually end with “-cone” such as “Dimethicone”, “Cyclomethicone”, “Amodimethicone” or “Dimethicone copolyol”. The natural cosmetics manufacturers use more costly ingredients such as almond oil, avocado oil or other natural fatty oils in order to replace silicones. These substances are biodegradable.

In order to avoid these negative effects it is a good idea to ĺook at makeup brands that use formulations that avoid these chemicals and offer makeup, foundations, lipsticks or eyeshadows without Parabens, Phthalates and Silicones; by the way, at reasonable prices.

Organic Paraben, Silicone and Phthalate free makeup Brands

Ecco Bella

• from New Jersey
• Lipsticks, Lipsmoothers, Lipliners, Lipgloss, Color Blushes, Bronzing Powders, Face Powders, Liquid Foundation, Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascara*
• with formulas of vegetable waxes, oils, and mineral pigments
• all natural

Real Purity

• from Evansville, IN
• Mascara, Lipsticks, Cream Foundation, Eye Shadow, Pressed Powder, Lip Balm, Makeup Remover, Powder Blush, Concealer, Perfume, Lip Gloss and Cream Blush
• 100% natural and organic
• Rated one of the purest health and beauty brands on the market today by the Environmental Working Group
• no artificial preservative, coloring or additives
• no petrochemical or synthetic substances.
• Cruelty free

Check Price on Amazon.com* >>>

100% Pure

• from Silicon Valley, California
• Foundations, BB Cream, Face Primer, Concealer, Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter Makeup Remover, Eyeshadow, Palettes, Mascara, Eyeliner, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Lip Stain, Lip Gloss, Lip Balm
• 100% natural and 100% cruelty-free
• all products are free of artificial colors, artificial fragrances, synthetic chemical preservatives and all other toxins

Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

RMS Beauty

• from New York City
• by Makeup Artist Rose-Marie Swift
• Makeup, Luminizers, Bronzers, Powder, Lip balm, Lip shine, Lip Liners, Eye shadows, Eye Polish, Mascara.
• only Minerals (no Nanoparticles) and organic or wildcrafted natural ingredients
• Gluten free, GMO free, Soy free, Nano free, not tested on animals

Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

Affordable Mineral Makeup

• Mineral Makeup, Base Minerals, Blushes, Eyeshadows, Finishers, Foundations
• No micronized minerals/nano-particles, no talc, no coated minerals, no Bismuth Oxychloride, no Synthetic dyes, no parabens
• No carmine, no fragrances, no artificial preservatives, no Petrochemicals
• Cruelty Free – No Animal Testing
• Non-comedogenic – Will not clog pores

Vapour Organic Beauty

• from Taos, NM
• Foundations, Concealers, Primers, Makeup Removers, Organic Nail & Cuticle Oil, Eye Colors, Eyeliners, Highlighters, Bronzers, Lipsticks and Lip Conditioners
• only natural, healthy, minimally processed ingredients with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients and the remaining 30% comprised of mineral pigments and essential oils.
• Clarity Organic Make Up Remover, Replenish Organic Nail and Cuticle Oil, and Lux Organic Lip Conditioner are USDA certified organic.
• All other Vapour products contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients and 30% minerals and pure essential oils but are not certified due to their mineral pigment content.
• cruelty free
• All Vapour products are made in the USA.

Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

Kjaer Weis

• from New York, NY
• developed by Danish Makeup Artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis
• Cream Blushes, Highlighters, Bronzers, Foundations, Lip Sticks, Lip Tint, Eye Shadows, Mascara
• raw substances and natural preservatives extracted from minerals, plants and wildflowers
• made in Italy
• almost all of the makeup has been approved as “Certified Organic” .
• Cream Blush, Lip Tint and Mascara are Certified Organic (95% of ingredients organic) or “Certified Natural” by the Italian organic inspection body, CCPB (Controllo e Certificazione Prodotti Biologici)
• Eye Shadows are Certified Natural.
• no parabens, no silicone, no petrochemical emulsifiers, no synthetic fragrances.

Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

Pacifica

• from Portland, Oregon
• Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascara, Under Eye Brightener, Primers, Concealers, BB Cream, CC Cream Foundations, Powder Cheek, Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, Lip Butter, Lip Tint, Nail Top coat, Nail Polish
• gluten free, 100% vegan, 100% cruelty free
• no phthalates, no parabens, no sulfates, no propylene glycol, no mineral oil, no petroleum, no peanut oil, no triclosan

Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

Axiology

• Lipsticks from Bend, Oregon, USA
• No harsh chemicals. No animal testing. No toxins.

Axiology uses Mineral Powder Pigments, natural ingredients such as Organic Avocado Oil, Avocado Butter, Organic Castor Seed Oil and Organic Grapeseed Oil

Cate McNabb

• from Chicago, IL
• Foundations, Pressed Powders, Concealers, Blushes, Illuminizers, Makeup Primers, Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascara, Eye Primers, Lip sticks, Lip gloss, Lip tints
• No Parabens, no Phthalates, no Triclosan, no Vitamin A, no Aluminum, no formaldehyde releasers

Lavera

• Eyes, Lips and Teint all-natural cosmetics from Germany
• 100% natural ingredients, NATRUE-certified
• no animal testing
• made in Germany

Logona

• Complexion, Eyes, Lips and Nails
• 100% natural ingredients, NATRUE-certified
• made in Germany
• Free from synthetic colours, fragrances and preservatives, paraffin oils or any other raw materials from petroleum chemistry
• Made with plant oils and extracts from organic cultivation Dermatologically tested
• Developed and produced without animal testing

ILIA

• Lip Sticks, Lip gloss, Lip care, Mascara, Eyeliner, Eyeshadows, Foundations, Powder, Concealers
• with certified organic bio-active botanicals.

Sheer Miracle

• from Saint Charles, IL
• Mineral Makeup: Foundation, Finishing Powder, Concealer, Bronzer, Blush, Eyeshadow, Eye Liner
• truly natural ingredients that are organic, fair trade or locally sourced
• hypoallergenic, non-irritating
  
  Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

Rituel de Fille

• from Los Angeles, CA
• Lipsticks, Eye Soot and Lip Sheer
• All Rituel de Fille products are 99% natural
• handcrafted without parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes or synthetic fragrances
• never tested on animals
• raw materials from companies that are 100% cruelty free

Frequently asked Questions

Is MAC make up paraben-free?

All MAC makeup products are paraben-free, except for MAC Pro Chromacake. MAC also offers a wide range of other paraben-free products, such as eyeshadows, blush, eyeliner, and mascara.

Popular Products include:

• Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
• Pro Longwear Concealer
• Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder
• Powder Kiss Lipstick
• Retro Matte Lipstick
• Hyper Real Glow Palette
• Fix+ Setting Spray

Check Current Offers on Amazon.com >>>

Does Maybelline have parabens?

Maybelline does not have a brand-wide policy of excluding parabens from its makeup products. However, the company has been making an effort to remove parabens from some of its products in response to consumer concerns.

Maybelline’s Green Edition line is formulated without Parabens, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Silicones. This line includes a variety of products, such as foundation, concealer, mascara, and lipstick.

Check out Maybelline GreenEdition on Amazon >>>

Does Sephora use parabens?

Sephora makeup brands offer a variety of products, both with and without parabens. Sephora has a line of paraben-free products called Clean at Sephora. This line includes a variety of makeup products from different brands, such as foundation, concealer, powder, eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick.

Conclusion

When it comes to makeup, you should be aware what you put on your skin. There are already a lot of brands on the market that do offer makeup products without parabens, silicones, phthalates and other chemicals. They make an effort to reduce the effects of those chemicals on our bodies and on the environment. Consider this next time you buy a lipstick or a foundation.

Image Source: Pixabay CC0 Public Domain

You might also be interested in How to take makeup off without wipes?

Oxybenzone:
This is one of the most common ingredients in chemical sunscreens, but it is also one of the most controversial. Oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where it can act as an endocrine disruptor and interfere with hormone levels. It can also cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some people. Oxybenzone is also harmful to coral reefs and marine life, as it can bleach and damage coral tissues and affect the reproduction and development of fish and other organisms.

What is Avobenzone:
This is another widely used chemical filter that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. However, avobenzone is not very stable and can degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight, losing its effectiveness and producing free radicals that can damage the skin cells. Avobenzone also needs to be combined with other chemical filters to work properly, which can increase the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. More on this substance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avobenzone

Is Avobenzone reef safe?

Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that primarily shields skin from harmful UVA rays, responsible for premature aging and skin cancer. Unlike mineral sunscreens, avobenzone absorbs rather than reflects sunlight. While generally considered safe, it has faced scrutiny for potential endocrine disruption. Some individuals avoid it due to allergies or concerns about its environmental impact, particularly on coral reefs.

Due to its potential breakdown in sunlight and concerns about its environmental effects, the sunscreen industry often combines avobenzone with other ingredients to enhance its stability and protection. The safety and environmental impact of avobenzone continue to be studied, and there’s growing interest in alternative sunscreen options, such as mineral-based sunscreens, to minimize potential risks.

Octinoxate:
This is another chemical filter that mainly protects against UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburns. Octinoxate is easily absorbed by the skin and can also act as an endocrine disruptor, altering hormone levels and thyroid function. Octinoxate can also cause skin allergies and sensitization in some people. Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is also harmful to coral reefs and marine life, as it can affect their growth, reproduction, and survival.

The good news is that there are natural alternatives to these chemical filters that are safer for your skin and the environment. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, which reflect and scatter UV rays instead of absorbing them.

Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies, and they do not harm coral reefs or marine life. Some examples of natural sunscreens that use mineral filters are Coola Organic Mineral Sun Silk Crème, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion, and Kinship Self Reflect.

However there is a catch:

Why is micronized better than Nano?

Because the application of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide leaves the skin with a telltale white sheen, the cosmetic companies have developed nanoparticles (tiny microscopic particles) for the use in sunscreen.

However, recent research studies now link nanoparticles of zinc oxide to the generation of free radicals and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide to DNA changes.

Especially organic and all-natural brands therefor use “micronized” particles, instead. These are larger than nanoparticles and should not penetrate a cell membrane.

Here is our list of Sunscreen without Parabens and Oxybenzone or Benzophenone-3. They all use micronized zink oxide or titanium dioxide:

Coral Safe Sunscreen for the whole Family

Butterbean Organic SPF 30 Good Sun Sport Stick

Butterbean Organics SPF 30 Original Formula Sunscreen is a natural and effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This sunscreen is made with certified organic and fair trade coconut oil and shea butter, which nourish and moisturize your skin. It also contains non-nano particle, uncoated pure zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. The sunscreen has a pleasant coconut scent derived from the virgin oils and butters, and a touch of sweetness from the local beeswax. Butterbean Organics SPF 30 Original Formula Sunscreen is cruelty-free, reef safe, and biodegradable, making it a great choice for both people and the planet.

COOLA Organic Sun Silk Creme and Face Moisturizer with SPF 30

This sunscreen product is a moisturizer that protects your skin from blue light and UV rays. It is dermatologist-tested and contains plant-derived ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily under makeup. This product helps prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer caused by sun exposure.

Check current prices on Amazon.com* >>>

Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30

Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 is a natural and organic sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UV rays with zinc oxide. It is reef friendly, water resistant, and unscented, making it ideal for sport and outdoor activities. It contains only four simple ingredients: organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, and uncoated zinc oxide. This sunscreen is gentle on your skin and the environment, and it is certified non-GMO and cruelty free.

Check Prices on Amazon.com* >>>

COTZ Sensitive Sunscreen for Body and Face SPF 40

CōTZ Sensitive SPF 40 is a mineral sunscreen that protects and soothes sensitive or easily irritated skin. It contains 20% zinc oxide, which is dermatologist recommended for its broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance. It is a gentle, non-tinted cream that blends translucent, leaving a soft, sheer finish. It is free of oils, chemical screens, fragrances, preservatives, PABA, gluten, and phthalate. It is also cruelty-free and vegan.

Check COTZ offers on Amazon.com* >>>

Cotz, The Healthier Sunscreen, Sensitive, SPF 40 – for irritated Skin

• especially for skin issues like acne, rosacea or psoriasis
• free of oils, chemical UV blockers, fragrances, preservatives, PABA, gluten and phthalates
• Water Resistant (up to 40 Minutes)
• Not Tested On Animals

For Kids

TruKid Daily & TruKid Sports SPF 30+

If you are looking for a natural and safe sunscreen for your kids, you might want to check out the new trukid sunscreens that are based on mineral filters and do not contain harmful substances such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate.

TruKid Daily SPF 30+ Sunscreen: This sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection with naturally nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and green tea oil. It has a light citrus scent and is non-toxic, reef-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. It is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Check Price on Amazon.com >>>

TruKid Sunny Days Sport SPF 30+ Sunscreen: This sunscreen is designed for active kids who love to play outdoors. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. It also contains natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and green tea oil. It has a fresh citrus scent and is non-toxic, reef-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. It is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. Check Price on Amazon.com >>>

Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream SPF 40

Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream Tangerine & Vanilla SPF 30 is a mineral-based sunscreen that protects children’s skin from harmful UV rays. It is made with organic ingredients and clear zinc oxide, which does not leave a white residue on the skin. It has a pleasant tangerine and vanilla scent that kids love, and it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is also reef friendly and biodegradable, making it a safe choice for the environment.

Check Badger Kids Offerson Amazon.com* >>>

For Babies

Raw Elements Baby + Kids SPF 30 Organic Sunscreen Lotion

If you are looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for your children, you might want to try Baby + Kids Lotion Stick SPF 30+. This product is made with organic and natural ingredients that protect and moisturize delicate skin, such as calendula, chamomile, sunflower and coconut. It is hypoallergenic, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and non-GMO. It is also very water-resistant and does not sting the eyes. Plus, it is reef-safe, cruelty-free and comes in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. With 25% non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, this product provides broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection for your little ones.

Find Raw Elements Baby Sunscreen on Amazon.com* >>>

California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion

California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion is a mineral sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and does not contain any added fragrance or irritating chemicals. It is suitable for newborns, babies, kids, and adults with sensitive skin or eczema. It is also coral reef safe and free of Benzene, a carcinogen found in some sunscreens. This sunscreen is made with non-nano Titanium Dioxide, a physical barrier that reflects the sun’s rays without being absorbed into the skin.

Current California Baby Sunscreen Offers on Amazon*>>>

For Sports

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a safe and effective sunscreen for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It contains 20% zinc oxide as the active ingredient, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and does not contain any harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, or phthalates. Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is also coral-friendly and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice. It has a light citrus scent and a smooth texture that blends well with the skin without leaving a white residue. Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is dermatologist recommended and Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free and vegan.

Thinksprt Sunscreen Offers on Amazon* >>>

Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Badger Sunscreen Unscented SPF 40 >>> is a mineral sunscreen cream that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays with clear zinc oxide. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and biodegradable, making it safe for coral reefs and other ecosystems. It is also moisturizing and gentle, with 98% organic ingredients and no fragrance. Badger Sunscreen Unscented SPF 40 is suitable for vegetarians and cruelty-free, and certified by NSF and B Corporation. It is ideal for beach, swimming, and light activities.

What is SLS doing in Soap?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a foaming agent but also a surfactant. That means it is also a chemical substance that reduces the surface tension in water. In terms of soap this characteristic is used to break up the natural oils on your skin and make it easier to wash and clean the skin. However, SLS is a harsh chemical for your skin and can therefore cause skin irritations.

What are parabens doing in soap?

Parabens are a common preservative found in lotions, shampoos, body wash and many cosmetics. So as they avoid bacteria to develop in liquids they are mainly found in liquid soaps.

Parabens are endocrine disruptive chemicals that can influence the human hormonal system. Some Parabens have already be banned in Denmark for the use in cosmetic products for Children under 3 years old.

You can easily identify them on the list of ingredients as Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben or Methylparaben. Sometimes their chemical names are used such as Butyl Hydroxybenzoate or Propyl Hydroxybenzoate. In the EU e.g. Butylparaben and Propylparaben are already on the danger list.

Liquid Soap without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens

• Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid* >>>
• Evolved By Nature – This is Hand Soap* >>>
• Everyone 3-in1 Soap
• Kiss My Face Moisture Liquid Hand Soaps
• Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soaps >>>*
• A La Maison de Provence Liquid Soaps
• Herbal Choice Mari Liquid Hand Wash
• Beesential Foaming Hand Soap
• Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Liquid Hand Soap
• Yes To Liquid Hand Soaps
• Clearly Natural Liquid Hand Soaps

Find more SLS free liquid soap on Amazon.com* >>>

Solid Soap bars without SLS

• Power Clean Soap Bars
• Dr. Squatch Bar Soap for Men* >>>
• Duke Cannon Men’s Bar Soap
• Dr. Bronners -Pure Castille Bar Soap* >>>
• Soapwalla Soap Bars
• A la maison soap bars
• Kiss my Face Soap Bars* >>>
• PremaTouch Coconut Oil Soap Bars
• The Soap Haven Handmade Goat Milk and Honey Soap
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Beauty Bar Soap

Find more SLS Free Solid Soap Bars on Amazon.com* >>>

Image by Pixabay CC0 Public Domain

* Partnerlink

Many consumers are looking now for toileteries that do not contain these chemical substances. It is difficult to find relevant products and it requires a detailed study of the list of ingredients on the packaging in the drugstore or supermarket.

The easiest way to find chemical free body wash ist to concentrates ones search on all natural cosmetics manufacturer. But be aware that even if a product calls itself “all-natural” or “organic” it still could include chemicals, mineral-oil based substances or plastic.

To be safe you should concentrate on certified organic or all-natural products that carry the label of certification bodyies such as USDA (US), Ecocert or Natrue (Europe).

What effect Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in body wash?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is the surfactant most commonly used in conventional shampoos, bubble baths, liquid soaps, toothpastes and gels. It is used as a foaming and cleansing agent. It has the property to react with both water and grease and thus is able to  break up dirt and grease. It can be produced cheaply, especially in large quantities and is therefore used in most conventional body wash products.

SLS causes the stratum corneum of the skin and hair to swell, so that on many people’s skin more fat is removed than necessary. The skin becomes brittle, may itch, flake and redden.

An alternative is a substance obtained from coconut oil: Sodium Coco Sulfate. But here opinions differ as it is still difficult to tell how agressive this substance actually is.

What do parabens in body wash?

Parabens are used primarily as a preservative. They are used in water-containing toileteries, to make sure that no bacteria contained in the water can develop. Depending on national legislation there are already strict limits established for some parabens. In some countries including Denmark parabens are completely banned for use in cosmetics because its effects on the hormonal balance of the human body.

The natural cosmetics manufacturers use essential oils instead of parabens for the preservation of their recipes. In addition, for example, sorbic acid prevent the formation of germs, bacteria and fungi. It is actually possible to get a body wash that works without parabens.

Following, we present you 5 brands that offer body wash without parabens and SLS.

Puracy Natural Body Wash

• Coconut-based cleansers, for daily use by men and women, with all skin types.
• No triclosan, sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), formaldehyde, salicylates, parabens, phosphates, MEA, DEA, TEA, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products, perfumes, dyes or caustics
• hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, biodegradable
• Certified Cruelty-Free by PETA & Leaping Bunny
• Made in the USA!

Ingredients:

Purified Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Lauryl Glucoside (Vegetable-Based Cleanser), Vegetable Glycerin (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Coco Glycinate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (Plant-Based Cleanser), Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance, Citric Acid (Plant-Based Preservative), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Coconut-Based Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Coconut-Based Preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (Biodegradable Preservative), Propanediol (Plant-Based Preservative)

Burt’s Bees Citrus & Ginger Body Wash

• Made with a plant based cleansing complex. 99.9% natural and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Kiss My Face Natural Shower Gel and Body Wash

• Natural coconut cleansers, Liquid shea butter, No SLS, parabens or phthalates

Ingredients

Aqua, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Coco Betaine, Glycerine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus) Flower Extract, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Fruit Extract, Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract, Cocoglucoside, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash

• Blend of Certified Organic Ingredients, including Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oils
• Contains No Laurel / Laureth Sulfates
• Cruelty Free (Never Tested on Animals)

Ingredients:

certified organic tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eculaptyus oil, rosemary oil, nettle oil, thyme oil, chamomile and soybean protein extracts, menthol sodium cocoyl glutimate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocoamidopropyl betaine, vegetable glycerin, panthenol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), citric acid, sodium hydroxymethlglycinate, essential oil fragrance

More Brands that offer Body Wash and Shower Gels without Parabens and SLS:

• Jason
• Lavera
• Logona
• Nature’s Gate
• Nubian Heritage
• Tom’s of Maine
• Yes to Coconut
• Yves Rocher
• Weleda

Conclusion

There is also a way without chemicals. Especially with a product such as body wash and shower gel which we use daily, we release al lot of chemicals such as parabens and sulfates into the environmental. Plant based cleansing and foaming agents mixed with essential oils are an alternative which is better for the environment and your skin. However this comes with a price.

If you find more body washes without SLS and parabens, please leave a comment below.

But in order to avoid skin problems caused by caosmetic products we schould start considering what products we are using and listen less to the Marketing messages on the TV. Although think about what chemicals you might flush in to the environment and consider buying products with biodegradable ingredients.

At the end of this article you find a list of brands that do not use the chemicals mentioned below.

When you buy a shampoo or conditioner you should pay attention to these chemicals.

Sulfates

Sulfates are a common ingredient in lots of shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates are an additive to shampoos and conditioners that causes the foaming; with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) being the most common. It combines with water to emulsify the grease in the hair, dispersing it into the water so that it can be washed away. The concentration in shampoos is typically around 15%. However, The International Journal of Toxicology also provides a safety assessment of SLS and recommends concentration levels of no more than 1% in products with prolonged use.

SLS is also considered to be allergenic and irritating to the skin. There is a debate surrounding the topic of SLS and Cancer. But up to now, there is no scientific evidence that links the two. Furthermore there are some findings that link the ingredient to a hormone imbalance which can cause serious health inssues.

Silicones

Silicone is used as a film former and surround each hair, so the hair can be meshed better and shine without appearing greasy. They are also used in hair spray and foam, where they form a layer around each single hair.

Silicones weigh down the hair and leave it seem powerless, especially thin hair. Lightweight silicones such as “Cyclomethicone” or “Cyclopentasiloxane”can be washed out again. “Dimethicone”, however, is the heaviest silicone. It is mainly used in conditioners or cures. It is deposited on the hair.

Ecologically silicones are questionable. They are not biodegradable, their water-soluble residues pollute the lakes, rivers and groundwater. Even water treatment facilities have a hard time dealing with the silicones in the sewage. Find out more about silicones and a list of silicone free shampoo brands.

Parabens

There has been much talk in recent years of the dangers of parabens in cosmetics and toiletries. But why are they included in cosmetics, and what is the problem with them?

Parabens are preservatives and are used to extend the shelf life of a product. However, there are suggestions that parabens may be linked with serious health problems, and they are known to cause sensitivity and dermatitis in some people. Evidence of estrogenic activity- where the parabens mimic natural female hormones, has caused some concern, as has evidence that parabens cause DNA damage in skin.

Consequently, some consumers prefer to avoid products containing parabens, especially shampoos and conditioners. Fortunately, there are a number of brands producing paraben-free, see below.

PEGs

Polyethylene Glycol compounds(PEGs) are used in shampoos to dissolve oil and grease which is why they are also commonly found in spray on oven cleaners. There are concerns about PEGs increasing the absorption of other chemicals, due to their action of opening the pores.

So, with a clearer view of exactly what we are washing our hair with and what the effects could be, it may be worth taking a little more time and care over what we choose to use.

In order to find chemical free shampoos you need to study the INCI list on the packaging. A safe bet is to use all-natural or organic shampoos that are ideally certified. These products use official seals like USDA Organic from the National Organic Program in the US or NATRUE, BDIH or ecocert in Europe.

Here is a list of popular all natural shampoo brands that are pretty safe and usually replace chemicals by all natural ingrediences. But keep on checking the INSI list anyway:

• Alverde
• Apereiron Keshawa
• Aubrey Organics
• Burt’s Bees
• Fundamental Shampoo
• Green People
• JASON All Natural
• Khadi Herbal Shampoos
• Kiss My Face
• Lavera
• L’Occitane Aromachologie
• Logona Shampoos
• Lush Solid Shampoos
• Maple Holistics
• Nature’s Gate
• Nubian Heritage
• Pura d’Or
• Sante
• Tom’s of Maine
• Tru Moroccan
• Weleda
• Yves Rocher

This listof chemical free shampoo brands is by far not complete. If you know more brands that avoid the chemicals mentioned above, please leave a comment.