The ‘Parabens are Safe’ Myth

You won’t find parabens at Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Parabens are very cheap synthetic preservatives commonly used

to prevent fungal growth in cosmetics. But are they really harmless?

Companies are eager to tell you that parabens are safe and natural

and can be found in blueberries and other foods. This is not true.

Parabens are synthetic chemicals produced in a lab.

Some plants do contain a similar substance p-hydroxybenzoic acid,

a water-soluble chemical that is easily excreted by the body.

Synthetic parabens are fat-soluble so are more easily absorbed and more

likely to accumulate in fatty tissue, for instance in the breast.

Parabens have been found in samples of breast tumour tissue.

Parabens can cause allergic reactions and they have an estrogenic effect –

it is possible they could contribute to hormonal imbalances linked to disease.

Estrogenic chemicals are difficult to remove from water supplies so they

end up in our drinking water.

Studies show that parabens can be detected in 97% of the US population.

Washed down the drain they have been associated with turning male

fish into females.

All Neal’s Yard Remedies products are formulated so they need minimal
preservatives. We use natural ingredients with preservative properties, such as rose
or propolis extract - our Baby Balm and White Tea Toning Eye Gel
are preservative-free.
In some cases we use small amounts of preservatives that we know are safe. But
we’ll never use anything that could be harmful to you or to the environment.
NOTE: The Danish government has banned parabens in products for children. We’re not
waiting for any government! We always follow the Precautionary Principle -
                                                            if in doubt leave it out.

For more information about Neal's Yard organic (and made in the UK) products please see www.nyoww.co.uk