Parabens are man-made artificial preservatives.
They are actually a combination of one or another type of alcohol and a chemical compound correctly called para-hydroxybenzoate.
Finding a paraben free face cream is not difficult.
But before you buy one, take a few moments to read this article.
It could prevent you from having problems with your skin.
Para-hydroxybenzoate does exist in nature.
Even some forms of the alcohol-para-hydroxybenzoate compound exist in nature.
For example, blueberries contain methyl-paraben.
There are about a half dozen other parabens including isopropyl-paraben and ethyl-paraben.
The first created through the use of isopropyl alcohol, the second through the use of ethyl alcohol, both of which are petroleum derivatives.
Parabens were first introduced in the cosmetic industry as a safe alternative to mercury-derived preservatives and a cheap alternative to natural preservatives like vitamin E.
Parabens are used in food preservation.
They belong to a class of chemical compounds that is "generally recognized as safe" for human consumption in certain amounts.
It is the "certain amounts" that causes concern.
While a manufacturer must abide by a maximum concentration per serving, people could easily consume more than one serving.
They could also consume a different food that also contains the chemical.
Paraben free face cream was introduced because of studies concerning breast cancer.
The kinds of parabens used in creams, deodorants and other personal care products were found in the breast cancer tumors.
The kinds used in foods were not found in the tumors.
There is no way that the parabens could have ended up in the tumors unless they penetrated through the skin or the patients consumed cosmetics, which is of course not likely.
Another clue is that breast cancer tumors are often first found in the portion of the breast in the underarm area.
This is the location where a woman would usually use deodorant.
So, the use of a paraben free face cream might not be enough.
You may also need to check the ingredients on your underarm deodorant and other personal care products.
For example, body lotion should also be free of parabens, especially if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.
Just remember that the safest alternative to artificial preservatives is natural vitamin E.
Not many manufacturers choose that alternative, because it is also more expensive for them to purchase.
That doesn't necessarily mean you will still have to pay more for a paraben free face cream.
Some companies keep their costs down in other ways and still pass the savings along to you.