Name Brand Companies Making Paraben-Free Skin Care Products.

Emily Wilson

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If the ingredient list on your skin care product includes the words methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben, it’s time for you to switch to a safer, less toxic product. Back in 2007 I wrote a post titled What Are Parabens And Why Should You Avoid Them and the reasons I listed back then still apply today. Parabens mimic the hormone estrogen which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers, can bring on early puberty, and can lower sperm counts, affecting the male reproductive system. Doesn’t sound like anything I want to mess with. They can be found in skin care products ranging from shampoos and moisturizers to topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste, and has also been found being used as a food additive. It’s actually in most products that are not specifically labeled “paraben-free.”

While you are out shopping for a safer, less toxic skin care product to replace the paraben-filled ones you have, keep in mind that natural and organic does not necessarily mean paraben-free or non-toxic. It should, but it doesn’t. I have assembled this list of name-brand companies that make paraben-free cosmetics, paraben-free shampoos, and other products for your perusal. Most of them are easy to find in common stores like Target or Whole Foods (and of course, online) and although I don’t advocate one brand or product over another, I do personally use products from Badger, Weleda, Dr. Bronner’s, and JASON.

When looking to purchase safer skin care products, you should always carefully read labels to avoid these 10 toxic ingredients, look for companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics and have low toxicity scores at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database.

Do you have a favorite paraben-free product that wasn’t mentioned here? Be sure to let everyone know in the comments so they can check it out as well.

71 thoughts on “Name Brand Companies Making Paraben-Free Skin Care Products.”

  3. I use Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant. It is both Paraben and Aluminum free. I originally switched to it cause the antiperspirant deodorants were causing me to break out in a rash. Once I made the switch I’ve had no problem.

    • Hi Leanna,

      I know this post is a bit dated but I just came across it today while browsing the internet. I’m not sure if you’re still using the Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant but I just wanted to comment that this is a major greenwashed product. It doesn’t contain parabens or aluminum but it is replaced with another similarly harmful, hormone disrupting chemical known as triclosan. Not a good product imho.

  6. I’ve used California Baby products for my three little boys and they’re great & paraben-free but they’re expensive! Avon’s Tiny Tillia line also carries a paraben-free line and it’s much more affordable!

  12. What about the Yes to Carrots line? There are four different kinds so are any of those good? If not, out of the ones you mentioned above, what would be the best for the skin and not too costly? Thank You

  18. EWG’s ratings tell you whether there is sufficient data or not and most of the brands lack in this regard. Unless the rating is “Fair” or higher I tend to disregard the information and do the research on my own.

    Loved the site until I realized most of their data ratings were based on limited information. None-the-less it’s a good starting point.

  19. I am only just becoming aware of paraben free products after a recent spa facial treatment. I would like to name GADI 21 minerals. I use about six different facial products and although they may seem pricey, my healrh and well being are paramount.

  21. How do you feel about Arbonne products? They claim to be “paraben-free” but I am reading a lot of contradicting information online. They also have many ingredients that begin with “ethyl,” “methyl,” and “propyl,” which I have read could indicate paraben preservatives. Thanks!

  24. I recently started using La Roche Posay face cleanser it says alcohol and paraben free on the bottle, what do you know about this brand? Does it contain other toxins since they are paraben free?

    • Looks like many of them are paraben-free but definitely not free of toxins. Wow. So many chemical ingredients. ageLOC® Future Serum: Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin, HDI/ Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Isoceteth-20, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Dimethicone, Salicin, Polysilicone- 11, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucosamine HCl, Polysorbate 20, Sclerotium Gum, Equol, Hexapeptide-2, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 80, Glyceryl Stearate, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-75 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyltaurate, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.

  32. hi there i been using pantene shampoo and nivea body lotion and it contains methylisothiazolinone and its really making my body itch all the time what is some body lotion does not contain this type of ingredients can you give me some help and info thanks

  41. Willing Beauty is a new skincare company with a Hy+5 regimen which is a very effective anti aging regimen. We also have 2 teen lines for younger faces. The company is commitred to being free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, etc. and is affordable! I’ve been using it for 6 months now and I’m in love with how my skin looks and feels!

  44. I just went to ewg.org/skindeep and you can search just about any product. it will give you a 1-10 rating. 1-2 is good, the rest should cause some concern. Or, you can search for a type of product (e.g. moisturizer) and the first page(s) will give you the top rated products. I’m not endorsing the website as I am new to this research, but it seemed helpful.

  46. I have been told by my beauty salon that Eve Taylor is paragon free, made a mistake of buying Lidls Cien classic face cream ,within 10 minutes my skin felt tingly and warm.The cream i discovered was full of parabens . Washed it off quickly!!!!

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