As for the "Without preservative" wording, this mention is more and more often seen or the labels of our cosmetics. For a similar reason, we need some clues to be sure to understand its meaning. In fact, "without parabens" does not mean "without preservative", not even "without synthetic preservative", not even sometimes … "without any parabens"!
Since Parabens have been fingered at (sometimes wrongfully, refer to the pertaining paper ), this mention is more and more often written on the labels of cosmetic products , and not only those claimed as natural of organic. This mention, which consumers like, is attractive and is now a good selling point. Nevertheless, its meaning may vary with the context.
Without Paraben=Without preservative
Some cosmetics are labelled as "Without Paraben" when their formula does not need any preservative to make them safe against bacteria and microbes. Right, this wording is not misleading; nevertheless, it is only an ad wording, and in no way a relevant piece of information for the consumer.
Without Parabens=With other preservatives
The consumer often links this assertion to a safe product, and understands it as a product without any synthetic preservative. This may be true, though it may be the opposite. It is then necessary to think of this assertion as it is only. Without Paraben means without any Paraben-like preservative , nothing else. That is why other preservatives , often synthetic, may be found in the product, with potentially irritating , allergenic or harmful effects more detrimental than Parabens ’. Catherine Rioux, who is the …
