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Parabens in emollients

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 3:37 pm
by patriciaKT
Hello
Can you tell me if any of the emollients that are out there have parabens in them please?

Re: Parabens in emollients

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:13 pm
by Dr Mark Brewin
Paraben (or hydroxybenzoate) is a preservative. A lot have manufacturers have been pushed to remove parabens from their products as they are a potential sensitiser or allergen (i.e. produce an allergic reaction in the user). I am not aware of products containing parabens. You may ask the pharmacist at your local chemist.

Re: Parabens in emollients

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:20 pm
by Julie Van Onselen
Paraben-containing emollients are generally cosmetic moisturisers. Most medical emollients do not contain parabens. Parabens help to preserve emollients and without preservatives, emollients and other skin care products would quickly become unstable and grow bugs - so parabens are not all bad and lots of people with skin conditions use parabens containing creams with no problems.Perhaps the simplest advice would be to avoid emollient creams and use ointment, which are grease-based and don’t need preservatives, so would not contain parabens. If you need to avoid parabens in emollient creams and gels, you would be best advised to ask a pharmacist for information on the emollient formulation. i hope this helps.