The Truth About Parabens

For so many years companies have been using parabens in cosmetics and skincare products everywhere! It's only been over the past few years that scientists have been debating whether they may actually be harmful to our health.

Here at So Susan Cosmetics, we never include parabens in our formulations. And therefore, we are 100% paraben free. Today we're here to talk to you about why, and why you can count on us for the best, healthiest, skin-loving ingredients possible. 

Parabens are a common cosmetic ingredient widely used as a preservative. They stop fungus and bacteria growing in our creams and makeup, particularly when stored in moist environments such as the bathroom. 

Over the last few years, scientists have been debating whether the chemical may actually be harmful to our health. Paraben names you may see pop up on the ingredients list of your favourite products are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. 

It has been wondered if parabens are linked to increasing the risk of breast cancer. They have a weak ability to mimic estrogen, which have been found in breast cancer tumours. 

In 2004, an article was released by British researchers at the University of Reading. The authors detected traces of parabens in breast tumor tissue samples. The interpretation? Parabens in the products being studied could cause breast cancer. This generated immediate and widespread critique by the scientific community.

The reason parabens have been so widely used is that they are cheap and effective, but now everyone is looking for better, healthier alternatives.

Now, we use only natural cosmetics-grade Sorbic Acid (which is fruit-derived) in all of our formulations. For formulations without water, we don’t use any preservatives at all. But that also means that the product should not be exposed to water.