Are Parabens Bad For You?

As advocates of science and nature working in synergy to power our products, we’re also very aware of various ingredients to avoid – and you should be too. Parabens have been the centre of controversy and discussion over the past few decades, as various studies and theories question their safety. Read on and find out what parabens actually are, what they’re used for, and why Hårklinikken avoids them altogether.

What are parabens?

Parabens are a class of chemicals most commonly used for their antimicrobial properties as a preservative in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals.

How do parabens work?

Parabens can prevent mould, fungus and bacteria growth and reduce the risk of contamination as well as increase the shelf life of various consumer products – including shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments. There are different types of parabens used in varied amounts and concentrations in these types of products.

What are the health issues caused by parabens?

Some studies have shown that parabens can disrupt hormones within the body, leading to various health problems including (but not limited to) changes in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, fertility, thyroid and immune function. While many of these concerns are related to high levels and long-term exposure to parabens, they have led to some parabens being restricted, regulated and even banned in certain products across Europe, Asia, USA and UK. (Some parabens banned in Europe include: isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, and pentylparaben.) Because hair and skincare products are used daily or several times a week, they are among the biggest contributors to people’s paraben exposure.

What side effects can parabens cause for the scalp and hair?

Parabens may cause irritation and inflammation on the scalp and hair follicles – leading to dryness, itchiness and redness and impact hair growth and hair quality, resulting in more fragile strands that can be prone to breakage and general damage. For these reasons, parabens can hinder your scalp health and hair growth and are best avoided in shampoos, conditioners and other haircare products.

List of parabens to look out for in scalp and hair products

While many products loudly call out that they are paraben-free, others contain some ingredients to keep your eyes peeled for:

• Methylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Propylparaben

Does Hårklinikken use parabens in their formulas?

No, none of our products are made using parabens. We incorporate healthy alternatives to preserve our formulas. All Hårklinikken products are vegetarian and free of colours, perfumes, silicones and parabens. We select ingredients based on their efficacy and performance synergistically to care for, nourish, and protect the scalp microenvironment to optimise conditions for hair gain. That means denser, stronger, and overall healthier hair – not just the illusion of it.