The Growing Concern of Parabens
by Jeremy Likness

The FDA proclaims that "FDA is only able to regulate cosmetics after products are released to the marketplace. Neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by FDA before they are sold to the public. FDA cannot require companies to do safety testing of their cosmetic products before marketing. If, however, the safety of a cosmetic product has not been substantiated, the product's label must read WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined."

This means, essentially, that cosmetics are not tightly regulated by the FDA. In fact, like supplements, most of the regulation happens only in response to consumer complaints. This is a reactive, rather than proactive, approach that occurs when perhaps the damage has already been inflicted. Even more highly regulated products like Vioxx, which were originally approved by the FDA, have been pulled from the market after widespread use by millions. In the case of Vioxx, concerns were that it raised the risk of heart attack and stroke - Arthritis Drug Vioxx Being Pulled.

To learn more about FDA regulation of cosmetics, read this page.

Skin is the body's largest organ and it can absorb healthy and unhealthy substances that are applied to it. Quality skin care will use pharmaceutical grade complexes that are thoroughly tested by dermatologists, allergists, and opthamologists to ensure quality and safety. There is now a complete skin care line available that is 100% paraben-free. It uses something called "self-preserving technology." This is a patent-pending blend of botanicals, antioxidants, and active ingredients that keep the product fresh without the need for parabens. To learn more, read this press release (PDF Format).

Click here to learn more about paraben-free skin care.

Be an informed consumer and learn exactly what is placed into the products you use on a daily basis. While concerns are raised each day regarding the use of synthetic chemicals and preservatives, very rarely do you hear of a recall for products that are organic or all-natural. Your company should readily disclose their full ingredients list with explanations for each ingredient - including why it was used and the rationale behind the dose. If you are looking for a high-quality, pharmaceutical grade natural paraben-free skin care line, take a look at this product line that focuses on nourishing the skin at the cellular level by providing vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other nutrients your skin deserves.