Parabens Rehabilitated?
The future should in theory be looking rather less grim for parabens. The SCCS (the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety) has issued its draft opinion saying propylparaben and butylparaben are safe for use in cosmetics at the levels currently used by the industry. It also confirms its previous opinion that methylparaben and ethylparaben are safe in cosmetics, again at the levels currently used by the industry.
There is no getting away from the need for preservatives in personal care products. When we handle them, we introduce bacteria and other contaminants that are hazardous if left to thrive unchecked.
Organic manufacturers have been forced to use alcohol in their products because USDA allows so few choices in their approved list of ingredients. But alcohol is far from ideal. It dries the skin.
Meanwhile, synthetic preservatives have been demonized.
Perhaps there is a middle ground, based on understanding of the real risks and benefits? What do you think?
