People have been using cosmetics and skincare products for a long time. However, it’s only recently that people started learning more about the several ingredients that are included in skincare products, and are taking an interest in diverse studies that talk about what it means to be exposed to these ingredients. One controversial ingredient category is represented by parabens. But what are they, and are they as harmful as people say they are?
Table of Contents
5 Best Paraben Free Body Lotion Comparisons
IMAGE | BRAND | FEATURES | |
---|---|---|---|
Puracy Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion |
| Check The Price | |
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion |
| Check The Price | |
Vanicream Lite Lotion |
| Check The Price | |
Hempz Natural Herbal Body Moisturizer |
| Check The Price | |
AmLactin Rapid Relief |
| Check The Price |
What Are Parabens?
You may have heard of parabens as being ingredients of products like shampoo, soap, or body lotion, but parabens are also found in pharmaceutical products, and even in food. Parabens are synthetic chemicals that act as preservatives to prolong the shelf life of certain products. The best natural lotion will certainly be paraben-free, that’s for sure. And if you’re ever unsure, just try a homemade recipe.
What parabens specifically do is to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in certain product categories, according to the FDA. Short for para-hydroxybenzoic acid, parabens are also naturally found in many different vegetables and fruit (such as blueberries or onions).
Are They Dangerous?
There is a whole lot of controversy on the topic of parabens safety, and there are two different points of view to take into account here. The first is the consideration that parabens are naturally found in the food you consume. However, there have been a lot of speculations about the possibility that parabens may cause cancer because they are linked to the production of hormones like estrogen.
Back in 2014, researchers have discovered that breast cancer tumors contain parabens, but without being able to link these two directly. The mass media picked up on this piece of information, and started speculating the fact that parabens lead to breast cancer, scaring people who were using cosmetics and skincare products that contain parabens.
The studies were rendered inconclusive because they were conducted on animals that were given really high amounts of parabens, and humans are very unlikely to have themselves exposed to such high amounts. The scientific community has since dismantled these beliefs and found no evidence that could link cosmetic products with parabens to cancer.
That being said, parabens are labeled as safe by the FDA in countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, or throughout the European Union. Skincare products contain regulated amounts of parabens. As scientific evidence suggests, cosmetic products can have up to 25 percent parabens in their composition and still be considered safe. On average, these products have about 0.1 to 0.3 percent parabens in their formulas.
The truth of the matter is you probably won’t be able to run from parabens your entire life. Even if you use paraben-free products, there are high chances that you’re consuming them together with food you’ve never even suspected having parabens. Strawberries, cocoa beans, peaches, carrots, vanilla: they all contain parabens.
Top 5 Paraben-Free Body Lotion Reviews
Now that we’ve explored parabens and understand more about what they actually are and what they do, some of you might have your heart set on the best natural hand lotion or body lotion that’s free of the harmful stuff. To make shopping a little bit easier, we’ve hand-picked the top five body lotions that are free of parabens, so stick with us as we go through their ups and downs.
Puracy Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion
- Product quantity: 12 oz.
- Key ingredients: Aloe Vera Extract, Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter Oil
- Best for: all skin types
There’s a lot to be said about the Puracy lotion, and it’s not just the fact that it doesn’t contain any parabens. It’s a product designed with organic ingredients, each with the role of keeping your skin in tip-top condition.
The ingredients that were used to create this formula doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and are safe to use even for children because they are hypoallergenic and plant-based. Their bottles are biodegradable, which means less waste thanks to the recyclable plastic. And if that doesn’t convince you of the brand sustainability, how about this: Puracy will donate an amount of money for each product they sell.
The formula is designed to be compatible with all skin types, as it contains ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and shea butter. The ingredients blend together in a product that moisturizes the skin, but is also light enough to prevent that sticky feeling you get after applying poorly-made lotion.
Who Should Purchase This?
If you’re looking for an organic body lotion that’s made without parabens, and uses ingredients that are 100 percent safe, the Puracy is the right lotion to try.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic formula.
- Chemical free.
- Safe for children.
- Recyclable bottle.
- Lightweight formula.
- Good for all skin types.
Cons:
- Complaints about recent formula change.
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion
- Product quantity: 18 oz.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, Oat Kernel Flour, Dimethicone
- Best for: baby skin, sensitive skin
Babies need skincare products too. Just as adults deserve smooth and soft skin, the little one should be able to benefit from natural products, but with even more attention paid to the ingredient list. The Aveeno body lotion is designed to be a daily use moisturizer that’s free of parabens, but also has no fragrances or phthalates, which makes it perfect for the sensitive skin of both a baby and an adult.
The product is made with ingredients such as citric acid and oat kernel flour, but isn’t a 100 percent natural and organic product. The oat kernel flower has been added as an ingredient to help lock moisture, and to prevent dry and cracked skin. Dimethicone is another one of this lotion’s ingredients, and it’s a skin-conditioning agent that acts as a natural moisturizer sealer.
It has a quickly-absorbed formula that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin, and doesn’t contain any nuts or traces of dairy, which makes it free for babies and adults who are allergic to these.
Who Should Purchase This?
The Aveeno body lotion is recommended by pediatricians for babies, but is also good for adults who have sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Non-toxic.
- Ingredients to trap moisture.
- Can be used daily.
- Quick absorption formula.
- No greasy residue.
- Good for sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Faulty pump.
Vanicream Lite Lotion
- Product quantity: 16 oz.
- Key ingredients: Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water
- Best for: eczema, dry skin, sensitive skin
If you’re looking for a product that can balance a good price and results that are visible for people with dry and sensitive skin, Vanicream might just serve you well. Not only is this a paraben-free product, but it also lacks other potentially harmful ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, lanolin, formaldehyde and the likes.
It’s also a gluten-free product, tested even by people who have skin sensitivity and eczema. The formula isn’t organic, but it is safe to use on your skin every day after showering. It also makes for a great hand cream, perfect to help with blisters, cracked and dry skin, and other skin problems.
Who Should Purchase This?
The people have spoken: the Vanicream body lotion is one of their most favorite paraben-free products, with a great price-to-quality ratio and a decently sized bottle. It’s also a great natural lotion for eczema.
Pros:
- Good for skin eczema.
- Good for dry skin.
- Decent price.
- Can be used on hands.
Cons:
- Thick consistency.
Hempz Natural Herbal Body Moisturizer
- Product quantity: 17 oz.
- Key ingredients: Pineapple Extract, Hemp Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter
- Best for: dry skin, vegan skincare product enthusiasts
Hempz is one of the best paraben-free and natural body lotions that you’ll find for this price range. It is made with hemp seed oil which, contrary to expectations, doesn’t smell like hemp at all. Instead, it has a pineapple scent that actually smells like pineapple.
But it contains plenty of different ingredients that contribute to the production of an awesome lotion: honey melon extract (which acts as a powerful antioxidant for skin hydration), jojoba seed oil (with its well-known anti-inflammatory properties), and shea butter (which helps protect the skin from sunburns and dehydration).
It is the kind of product that you want to use every day, because its natural ingredients are soft on the skin, but nourish and moisturize it, helping in the fight against free radicals.
Who Should Purchase This?
Hempz body lotion is such a good product, it can serve many different customers: those who want an organic product, those who want to steer clear of parabens, those who want a lotion with a pleasant fruity scent, and those who don’t want to spend a fortune on body lotion.
Pros:
- Pleasant smell.
- Natural ingredients.
- Good price.
- Pleasant creamy texture.
- Vegan formula.
Cons:
- Scent doesn’t last.
- Faulty pump.
AmLactin Rapid Relief
- Product quantity: 7.9 oz.
- Key ingredients: Mineral Oil, Ammonium Lactate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP
- Best for: dry skin, acne-prone skin, flaky skin
Let’s briefly explain what alpha-hydroxy acids are. These are a category of acids that are naturally found in foods. For example, grapes contain tartaric acid, sugar cane is rich in glycolic acid, and citrus fruits have citric acids. AHA acids are used in several skincare products because they can help with problems such as dry or acne-prone skin. They remove the dead skin cells from the top layer, but also work on a deeper level to ensure more firm skin.
The AmLactin body lotion is designed to combine one of these alpha-hydroxy acids, more specifically lactic acid, with the benefits of ceramides. What this formula looks to achieve is to help the skin attract more moisture, helping people solve the dryness issue.
At this point, we do have an important thing to mention: products like this lotion, which contain alpha-hydroxy acids can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn because they remove dead skin cells that acts as a protective barrier against UV rays. If you use this product on skin that will be exposed to the sun, consider using a lotion with SPF afterward.
Who Should Purchase This?
You need a product like AmLactin if you have dry skin, and have trouble finding a product that acts as a humectant, pushing the skin to retain more moisture and get a more supple and healthy look.
Pros:
- Contains alpha-hydroxy acid.
- Removes dead cells.
- Acts as a humectant.
- Help exfoliate skin.
- Great for dry skin.
Cons:
- Skin becomes sensitive to sun exposure.
Conclusion
There are plenty of paraben-free body lotions to choose from, provided that you first understand what your body needs to look healthy. The type of lotion that you choose needs to be focused on solving your particular skin problem. For instance, people with sensitive skin and conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis have to steer clear from products that contain questionable chemicals, and focus on more natural ingredients.
The lotion examples above are some of the best-selling items in their categories, and you’re bound to find something that can help keep your skin looking hydrated, smooth, healthy, and fresh.