Blog 4
Parabens, Sulphates & Mineral Oils: Why They Should Be Avoided
Blog 4
Over the past few years, we’ve all had a change in our preferences for daily care products. We are increasingly looking for natural and chemical-free products. Some of the most common phrases we tend to hear as consumers are “paraben-free”, “sulphate-free” and “mineral oil-free". And while many of us know that these chemicals are not exactly safe, no one tells you why. Let’s dig a little deeper and get to the bottom of the mystery that are parabens, sulphates and mineral oils.
Parabens are chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to prevent bacteria and act as a preservative for deodorants, lotions, lipsticks, shampoos, scrubs, etc.
Sulphates are effective cleansing and foaming agents that can be found in toothpaste, shampoo, and body washes, among other products.
Mineral oil is made from crude oil and is a common ingredient in cosmetics such as baby lotions, cold creams and ointments.
Studies have shown that some parabens can mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen in the body’s cells. While there is no conclusive research on this yet, parabens have also been found present in breast tumors, linking them with a higher risk of breast cancer.
Parabens are known to trigger skin irritation and allergies. Studies show that parabens can be especially inflammatory to those with pre-existing skin conditions or higher sensitivity.
Parabens get absorbed very quickly into skin. In 2006, the CDC detected parabens in almost all the urine samples tested for a study, indicating widespread exposure in Americans. This proved that parabens get absorbed into skin quickly, which over time could cause harm.
Parabens are also known to cause damage to the reproductive process due to its tendency to mimic estrogen activity. These hormonal imbalances may be harmful for the mother’s health as well as the child’s developmental health.
Sulphates are a cause of concern as they have been found to cause degenerative effects on skin cells.
Sulphates are also known to leave harmful residue in the heart, lungs, and brain.
Sulphates can cause several problems for your hair including dryness, irritation of scalp, fading of color, and even hair loss.
Sulphates are known to cause irritation in eyes and skin. Sulphate-based chemicals such as SLS and SLES are known to cause irritation and damage upon prolonged exposure.
Sulphates are known to clog pores and cause acne for people with sensitive skin too.
One of the most common concerns about mineral oils is their tendency to clog pores and cause acne breakouts on your skin.
Mineral oils do not get absorbed into skin easily and remain on the surface of skin. This makes it a reflector of the sun, which can lead to sun damage and discoloration of your skin.
As mineral oils stay on the surface of the skin and do not penetrate very easily, skincare products with mineral oils end up making your skin feel heavy and oily instead of light and supple.
Mineral oils are also known to cause scalp irritation which in turn leads to poor hair growth.
It is evident that having harmful chemicals in your daily care products is a major no-no! They are known to cause damage to your health, the effects of which can show instantly or appear years later. Which is why, time and again, parabens, sulphates and mineral oils are spoken of harmful chemicals that disturb the natural balance of your body. Therefore, it is essential to use daily care products that are 100% organic and only made with using natural ingredients.
BoroPlus Aloe Gel, being 100% organic, and having the natural goodness of aloe vera gel as well as antiseptic herbs like neem and tulsi, makes it ideal for your daily care needs. What’s more? BoroPlus Aloe Gel takes care of your skin and hair needs. From acne to dandruff, from itchy skin to itchy scalp and more, BoroPlus Aloe Gel is a genuine miracle solution for your everyday skincare or haircare needs.