Are Parabens Safe or Should They Be Avoided?

If you've ever checked the ingredient list on your skincare products, you've probably come across the term "parabens."

But what are parabens exactly? You might also be wondering “what do parabens do?” and “are parabens bad?”.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled this essential guide to understanding parabens. We’ll give you the facts, let you make up your own mind and offer our paraben-free deodorant and body wash recommendation at the end.

We’re going to mainly focus on deodorant in this article but to learn more about antiperspirant read our guide here.

What are Parabens?

Parabens are chemical preservatives that are used in a lot of personal care products, including deodorant.

Their primary role is to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, ensuring that your favorite deodorant or body spray doesn't turn into a science experiment gone wrong after spending a while on the shelf. In other words, parabens help keep your products safe and stable for use.

Different Types of Parabens

When it comes to parabens, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are actually a few different types of parabens commonly used in deodorants and antiperspirants. Here are the ones you’re most likely to come across:

Methylparaben

This is one of the main types when it comes to parabens in personal care products, including deodorants. Methylparaben is all about keeping those odor-causing bacteria and fungi in check, making sure that the product stays stable and fresh for as long as you need it.

Ethylparaben

Just like methylparaben, ethylparaben brings some serious antimicrobial power to the table. You'll find this ingredient hanging out in deodorants, to keep those unwanted microorganisms at bay. Its main aim is all about preventing any spoilage and ensuring that your products stay fresh and potent.

Propylparaben

This ingredient is often used in conjunction with methylparaben and ethylparaben in deodorants, all acting as preservatives. Propylparaben works to make sure any fragrance in your product continues to smell great without any unpleasant odors.

Butylparaben

The lesser-known member of the paraben family. While it may not be as popular as its counterparts, you can still spot it in some deodorants, working to keep those pesky bacteria and fungi at bay.

Why Are Parabens Used in Deodorants?

Now we’ve explored different types of parabens, let’s turn to an important question: what do parabens do in deodorant?

As we mentioned, these ingredients work as preservatives. Deodorants are packed with all kinds of ingredients, including water, oils, and other components. These elements can create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to breed.

This is where parabens come in, by protecting these products from microbial growth and extending their shelf-life.

By putting the brakes on the growth of those unwanted microorganisms, parabens do a stellar job of keeping your deodorant fresh for as long as you need it. This is particularly crucial when it comes to deodorants which tend to be stored in steamy bathrooms where bacteria and mold love to incubate. Parabens are like a protective shield, keeping the product's quality intact so you can stay fresh and odor-free all day long.

So, Are Parabens Bad?

Parabens have been used on the personal care scene for quite some time, but lately, there's been some buzz about their potential impact on our health. So, are parabens bad?

To help you work out where you stand on the matter, here are a few things to consider:

When it comes to deodorant and other cosmetic products on the market, the number of parabens used is usually minimal, and they must follow the law to keep us safe. If you ever wonder what's in your products, just check out that ingredients label, and you'll know either way.

As it stands, there’s no solid scientific evidence to prove that parabens in cosmetics are a major concern for your health. That's why plenty of legally sold products out there follow safety guidelines and still contain parabens. However everyone has different preferences and comfort levels. That's why many brands, like Axe, have come out with a lineup of paraben-free deodorants. It's all about giving you the power to choose what works best for you. Read on for our recommendations.

Should You Avoid Parabens on Your Skin?

Ultimately, the answer to that question lies with you. As with most things in life, it’s good to have choices. Thankfully there are enough choices of deodorants and body sprays out there that you can keep fresh whatever your preference. If you're uneasy about it all, we suggest choosing the paraben-free option.

What does paraben-free mean exactly? Opting for paraben-free products gives you that peace of mind, if you want to steer clear of that particular ingredient.

If you’re not comfortable with parabens or want to try something new, here's what we suggest:

Deodorant – Our Apollo Aluminium-Free Deodorant Formula Stick is carefully crafted to ensure you get all the protection from body odor you need while keeping parabens off the list. Paired with its refreshing sage and cedarwood scent, you certainly won’t feel like you're missing out when using this paraben-free deodorant.

Body Wash – If you're looking for a finely fragranced body wash that delivers ultimate freshness with no questionable ingredients like parabens, our Blue Lavender Premium Body Wash is a great choice. Crafted by world-renowned perfumers, this body wash packs a punch of revitalizing fragrance with floral scents of lavender paired with warm amber scents.

So are parabens to be avoided?

By now you should be more aware of what parabens are and the role they play in your deodorants and antiperspirants. Here’s a quick recap.

What are parabens? Parabens work to keep bacteria, mold, and fungi at bay. They're commonly used as preservatives to ensure your products stay fresh and safe to use.

Are parabens bad? The answer isn’t so simple. Health organizations say that parabens, when used in regular amounts in deodorants and other products are safe. But if you still prefer to steer clear of parabens, there are plenty of paraben-free options out there. It's all about what suits your preferences.

If you want to learn more about how to stay fresh and battle body odor, check out our ultimate guide to using body spray now.