Parabens

Parabens refer to a group of effective preservatives that have been used for many years. Parabens have a distinct advantage. Unlike many other preservatives – they are not allergenic.

But some parabens are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. Consequently, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel has decided to ban them as a precautionary measure. That’s why there are no parabens in any Derma products.

Parabens most often used in cosmetics are called: 

• Methylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has estimated that the first two parabens listed above (Methylparaben and Ethylparaben) are safe to use in a concentration of max. 0.4%. The last two parabens (Propylparaben and Butylparaben) are considered safe to use in concentrations of no more than 0.14%. Denmark has a national ban on these two parabens in products for children under 3 years of age.

In a new guide from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency on "free-from claims within the chemical arena", as of July 1, 2019 it is prohibited to write "paraben-free" on products. This is to prevent consumers from having a negative perception of parabens that are actually judged as safe and legal to use, as is the case with methyl and ethyl paraben.