Preservative
\pri-ˈzər-və-tiv\
First things first:
According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, to preserve is:
- To keep safe from injury, harm or destruction (protect);
- To keep alive, intact, or free from decay (maintain);
- To keep or save from decomposition; or
- To keep up and reserve for personal or special use
Preservatives are synthetic (man-made) or non-synthetic (natural) substances added to foods, cosmetics, medications, woods, etc. to ward off microbial growth, mitigate chemical decomposition (ie UV damage, oxidation) and extend product shelf-life; in other words, to preserve them.
Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl) are additives commonly used to preserve commercial cosmetics. Parabens are irritating to many and while the jury is still out, there is much debate as to whether or not they are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Other synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetic (including hair) products include imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea.
For more on synthetic preservatives, check out the Organic Consumers Association article:
Ten Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid
Natural preservatives:
Vinegar, alcohol, tea tree oil, vitamin E, honey, lemon, sugar and salt are all natural preservatives. When making DIY products, add a bit of tea tree oil, honey or vitamin E to preserve your mixture.
For more on natural preservatives, check out All Natural Beauty's article:
Natural Preservatives
Now what?
Check the ingredients in your product list. While I'm not bothered by the inclusion of parabens, you may want to avoid them if you have sensitive skin. Similarly, if you've developed unexpected scalp irritation. you may want to consider if parabens could be the culprit. Nowadays, most hair lines offer an all or mostly natural product line. Personally, I love the SheaMoisture, Organix or Renpure lines!
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