[...] being said, I don’t use parabens and I don’t need to. But I do think that they need to be re-examined.  Recent research shows [...]

My dermatologist is a good doctor, in my opinion. We've discussed skin care products- even as far as what we'd each like to see if we (either or both- no, we've never talked about collaboration) marketed our own products, theoretically. That said- in his office he touts Obagi, the entire line. Obagi uses parabens. /shrug* Now my dermatologist isn't ignorant and sitting back in his office thinking about developing a product and/or treating patients daily and offering them a product that would, in his opinion, harm them. Just saying... I trust my dermatologist. ~jk

ps this is not to say some people can't have a sensitivity to parabens or any other ingredient... but overall parabens do do their job in a product. I try whenever possible to keep them out of the scenario, but I do know the relavence of preservation.

Hi Lotta,
Many types of products stay fresh easily without preservatives. Many more products though do not stay fresh and safe without assistance of some kind; such as through use of preservatives or by being stored sealed and cool in a basement.

Generally, natural and water-based products are more likely to harbor pathogens unless preserved or kept sealed and refrigerated. In the food world, pasta is a great example - storing safe and well for years dry, but quickly going bad once cooked and left out.

Respectfully, I'm curious to learn more about your experiences with dermatologists and so I have a number of questions.

Dermatologists must know, separate from their opinions about the allergy potential of any specific preservative system, preservatives protect us from potentially dangerous pathogens.

There are of course, situations where it's determined a patient has allergies to specific preservatives and is advised to avoid products with those preservatives - that makes complete sense.

I'm trying to understand though, any general advisement by dermatologists to avoid an entire preservative system based on allergy potential. Without offering an alternative solution that protects their patients from harmful pathogens, wouldn't it be irresponsible for dermatologists to make such advice?

Because parabens are the most widely used preservative system in consumer products, and because dermatologists are motivated to steer patients away from potential allergens, are the recommendations you've heard a general advisement for all consumers to avoid preservatives - and specifically those products with parabens? Or, are these dermatologists advising that those who may be predisposed to paraben allergies avoid those products containing them?

...And last, when they're recommending we avoid products with parabens, what alternatives are these dermatologists recommending? More companies these days are using higher-than-ever percentages of natural ingredients, which to remain safe, require preservatives. Wouldn't it seem short-sided then, for dermatologists to suggest avoiding one preservative system, such as parabens, without recommending an alternative that equally protects their patients from harm due to exposure to unchecked pathogens?

Respectfully,
Darrell

Re. parabens. I've always been warned about them by Dermatologists. I've heard so many of them warn about them I can't even say how many. It's MANY. All Derms I have gone to over the years (around 40yrs), at hospital (outpatient clinics and inpatient clinics), at private practicing Derms as well as in countless lectures (patient organization meetings, congresses and such) etc. Their warning has always been that parabens are provocative regarding allergies, and that they simply do not recommend using creams containing these substances. In my (and all the others I know of) case, part of the warning has also been that it would especially not be worth taking any chances when you already have one skin disorder, risking to maybe contract another. Many times it has also been mentioned that it should should be avoided for moisturizers for kids with atopic dermatitis (eczema).

It really seems bad though that companies are substituting the parabens with phenoxyethanol. Maybe they are counting on this substance to be less known amongst customers? Since people have been warned against parabens for a long time? I think I heard about it the first time at the end of the 80's or about that time...

I prefer creams and such with no preservatives. I also make my own. In my experience bacteria growth and creams going bad is not a very big problem. I think this problem often is exaggerated. I have had creams for years after the expiration date and they've been fine (though being stored cold in the basement). I have never experienced any cream going bad. At all.

Thanks for great information!

<p>Jacqui, thanks for this and you are right. This is from MSDS sheet at 100% concentrations. I'll edit the post to make that clear. </p>