| The debate over paraben free hair products | | | | - Potassium Sorbate |
| The concerns over parabens as preservatives began | | | | - Sorbic Acid |
| in 2005 with the study published by Philippa Darbe, PhD | | | | The best paraben-free shampoo generally uses a |
| in the Journal of Applied Toxicology. This study | | | | combination of several of these ingredients. Vitamin E |
| showed concern over the concentration and | | | | is often found in reparative shampoos and grapefruit |
| accumulation of paraben-like substances found in | | | | extract is common for helping protect color. So, looking |
| breast cancer tissue. | | | | for botanical extracts as primary ingredients can be a |
| This lit a firestorm of debate over the use of parabens | | | | key for finding a natural-based product, but also one |
| as preservatives in all products - food, toothpaste, | | | | that improves the health of hair and scalp. |
| detergents, and personal care and beauty products. | | | | New product development |
| The debate continues to linger with supporting | | | | Many manufacturers whose products are |
| evidence and studies supporting the safety - or lack | | | | natural-based, sulfate-free or paraben-free have |
| thereof - of the use of parabens as preservatives. | | | | developed formulations to take advantage of a |
| The one "full truth" aspect of each of these debates is | | | | combination of these ingredients. Why? Because it is |
| that preservatives are needed - especially for hair | | | | necessary to maintain "shelf-life"...dispelling the idea that |
| products or their shelf life could be reduced to days. | | | | "organic" products do not contain preservatives. Simply, |
| Effective alternatives | | | | if they didn't, it's unlikely their products would even |
| The alternatives for a paraben free shampoo are | | | | make their way to your home of the store shelves. |
| many and some have shown to be more effective | | | | Sulfate-free brands such as Sfree®, promote a |
| than others. Researchers have tested and evaluated | | | | variety of products - moisturizing shampoos, clarifying |
| several key organic or natural-based compounds | | | | shampoos and light-weight conditioners that use |
| which you will see in the better, upper-end products: | | | | alternative preservatives. Their reviews have been |
| - Grapefruit seed extract | | | | exceptional - often surpassing the results from |
| - Vitamin E | | | | paraben-based products. |
| - Germall Plus | | | | |