February 14, also known as Valentine's Day, is approaching. Do you know its history? Here’s some background on what day it is, and why it is celebrated.
Every year we celebrate this day with a gift, a special dinner with our partner. But its little-known history goes way back. Valentin was a third century priest from Rome, known for secretly marrying young couples in love. This went against the Roman Emperor Claudius II, who preferred young boys to dedicate themselves to military life without commitments or partners. Valentin did not agree with that law so marriages were performed secretly, until the emperor found out and sentenced him to death on February 14, 270, known from then on as Valentine’s Day.
This day was religious until it was eliminated from the religious calendar in the 20th century. In the 20th century, stores began to see it a business opportunity. The day became a commercial opportunity to boost couple-related product sales. The most popular product was Valentine's Day cards.
At Per Purr, we want to celebrate Valentine's Day as a day of love and friendship between couples, friends and family. For us, the most important thing is to love whoever you are. So on this day, whether you have a partner or not, give something to that special person you want to celebrate. Take a look at our Winter Essentials and choose a special product.
There’s something special about Lanzarote. Maybe it’s the way it brings together landscapes like the Janubio Salt Flats and Timanfaya National Park’s lunar-like surfaces, or the fact that it’s one of only three places in the world where you can hear the earth “breathe”. However, as its inhabitants have demonstrated throughout history, Lanzarote’s greatest attribute is reinvention.
It’s in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, where we find Naad, a harmonious space run by Dani and Natalia which pays homage to the island’s vibe.
Per Purr: You’re both immersed in the worlds of art and beauty. Was that what brought you together? When and how did you meet?
Dani: I’ve been into it all since I was a child. I’ve always liked everything related to cosmetics, creativity, and art. When I was little I liked crafting and dancing, and I was a fan of 90s MTV – I was always watching music videos! In short, I’ve always liked to develop and shape my own ideas as a form of expression. I taught myself to sew by watching my aunt with her sewing machine when I was a child. I studied set and interior design and I like to learn about and experiment with everything related to what I consider to be, simply, art.
Natalia: I’ve always liked everything about fashion, make-up and cosmetics.
I remember trying on my older sister’s clothes when I was little and playing supermodel with my niece. As teenagers, my friends were all really creative and each one had their own look. I started to become interested in makeup after becoming a mother, which is when I decided to give it a go and start training professionally. I really enjoy doing what I do.
Dani: Natalia and I have been brother- and sister-in-law for 19 years. It was the desire to develop our ideas without having to depend on anybody else that led us to embark on this adventure, doing what we enjoy and are passionate about.
Per Purr: Why Naad?
Naad: Naad comes from Natalia and Daniel, two people who both like to create, develop, and enjoy what we do.
Later on, we discovered through a client that Naad also means something in the Yoga philosophy – Naad is the eternal sound wave of creation. Sages and saints have used this sound wave for healing, elevation and awakening of consciousness through the ages. Naad means “the essence of all sounds”. All languages have sounds that relate to one or more of the five elements: air, fire, water, earth, and wood.
Per Purr: What do you think sets you apart and makes you different from other spaces?
Naad: The idea was to create a harmonious space – a beautiful, simple space, with lots of light – where our customers could have an almost dreamlike experience. The most important thing was that our customers feel comfortable, almost like part of the family. We also wanted to offer something new, leaving behind the typical product lines found in every other perfumery in favor of our carefully chosen brands.
Per Purr: Tell us something magical about Lanzarote that will make us want to come and visit.
Naad: Freedom, peace, harmony... It’s the ideal place to look for and find yourself, as the sun gives us the vitality to recharge our energy day after day.
Per Purr: How did you find out about Per Purr?
Naad: We came across Per Purr on the internet while looking for different, quality products, made with love and high standards. Then, when we tried it, we fell in love with the aromas, the way it made our skin feel, and how it affected our mood during moments of relaxation.
Per Purr: What’s your favorite Per Purr product?
Dani: My favorite products are the gels and detox oil. I love how easy they are to apply, that they absorb quickly, and that they don’t leave me feeling sticky. They leave my skin feeling hydrated and smelling great. I basically don’t need to use deodorant or aftershave – that’s how good it smells!
Natalia: My star products are the shampoos and masks, especially the Marine Clay (Arcilla Marina) shampoo and conditioner, which leave my grease-prone hair feeling fresh, clean, and silky to the touch. I also like the family-friendly moisturizing shampoo; I use it on my daughters and it leaves their hair hydrated and soft.
Per Purr: Why do you think Per Purr is a fit for Naad and your customers?
Naad: Because customers are, more than ever, looking for natural, quality alternatives to the conventional products on the market.
Chocolate isn't just delicious, it's also very good for your skin.
Theobroma cacao (or “food of the gods” – we couldn’t agree more!) is a plant native to the Amazon, which has been in existence for thousands of years.
There are ever more studies that point to the benefits of chocolate, including one published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics which indicates that topical omega-3s can reduce UV sensitivity (signs of photoaging) in skin cells (1). Research suggests that there’s a possibility that skin care products rich in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids may actually improve the skin’s appearance (2).
Cacao is the ingredient per excellence in all chocolate products, and a very complex foodstuff nutritionally rich in minerals, antioxidants and vasoactive compounds.
Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician who’s considered the father of medicine, said:
The idea that chocolate can serve quite literally as “medicine” has already been taken up in scientific literature (3).
Cocoa butter, the natural oil derived from cacao beans, contains omega-3 fatty acids which provide the skin with a healthy dose of soothing rejuvenation, as well as antioxidant effects (2). And there’s a great deal of evidence pointing to the health benefits of regularly eating dark chocolate.
It’s nothing more than a myth that chocolate causes acne. However, while it doesn’t cause acne, chocolate is still full of high-calorie, high-fat ingredients. These days, there’s more attention being paid to the link between diet and developing acne.
Acne is a complex skin problem and breakouts can come and go for no real reason. But there’s strong evidence which connects acne with a Western diet, rich in calories, fats, and refined carbohydrates. Fast food – like hamburgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, french fries, and soft drinks – can increase the risk of acne. The high sugar and fat content can boost sebum production, a determining factor in the development of acne.
Food is far from the most likely culprit when it comes to acne. The real causes of acne are the accumulation of dead skin cells inside your pores and the skin’s overproduction of oil (sebum), combined with excess bacteria.
Hormones also play an important role in acne breakouts. That's why acne is so common during puberty and at that time of the month for people who menstruate, meaning your chocolate consumption ends up coinciding with your breakout! Predisposition to acne is also hereditary. So, if your parents had acne, you'll probably have it too.
At Per Purr we have Fresh Soap, a refreshing soap ideal for all skin types, made with plenty of cocoa butter mixed with chopped mint leaves and three essential oils: peppermint, lemongrass and basil.
Studies:
¨1¨ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15979259/
¨2¨ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
¨3¨. Franco OH. Bonneux L. de Laet C. Peeters A. Steyerberg EW. Mackenbach JP. The Polymeal: a more natural, safer, and probably tastier (than the Polypill) strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease by more than 75% BMJ. 2004;329:1447–1450. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Your hands get dry (or rather, they suffer) from the harsh cold. This yearly seasonal problem is even worse this year since everyone is washing our hands more often and using antibacterial gel, which further damages the skin.
If, in addition to dryness, your skin is red or shows more serious and bothersome signs, the skin on your hands will need more than hydration. The nutrition offered by natural body oils is a better option. We strongly emphasize that body oils be natural because they are what really help to repair the skin’s lipid barrier. They repair the damages caused to the skin and reduce oxidative stress.
We know that oil is not absorbed as quickly as cream, but it is what our skin needs in these kinds of circumstances. Chamomile, lavender, almond and calendula essential oils are especially beneficial. They are known for their soothing, relaxing, repairing and anti-inflammatory effects and are the basis of our Relax body oil.
As for its use, we don’t want to generalize, since that depends on the type of skin and the needs of each person. For your hands, feel free to use a small amount of moisturizer after washing, since it counters the effects of continual use of soap and antibacterial gel. Shea Butter, present in our Natural Moisturizing Cream, makes your hands softer.
If you don't have any moisturizer at home, and you need to hydrate your hands, like when they are red, natural body oil is a good substitute for cream. If you don't have body oil either, you can look for alternatives in some of the products we almost always have in our kitchen, such as virgin coconut oil or olive oil. A mask of full-fat natural yogurt for 30 minutes can also help.
By gently massaging the palms of our hands using the opposite thumb and stretching our fingers, we relieve any tension generated throughout the day, as well as promoting proper circulation. We must remember that our hands are one of the parts of our bodies that we use the most throughout the day, yet sometimes we forget the importance of caring for them.
Hydrating our hands before going to sleep is very important because, as we do with our nightly face routine, we are making sure that while we sleep, our skin isn’t exposed to other external agents present during the day, such as pollution, heating or air conditioning, and the hydration is more effective. Don't forget to massage your cuticles as well, because hydrated cuticles prevent the entry of fungus and bacteria.
It goes without saying that it is best to avoid direct exposure of our skin and hands to more aggressive products such as industrial cleaning detergents or similar products.
Don’t forget about exfoliation – an extra step for caring for your hands. Even though our Per Purr Salts Selection Exfoliant contains sweet almond and exotic verbena oils, exfoliation should always be gentle. Avoid exfoliating any areas of your skin that appear to be inflamed.
We would like to emphasize the benefit of salt baths for our hands. Just as massages are good for our hands, soaking them in warm water with salts and essential oils is very good for relaxing the hand muscles. If you like floral smells, I definitely recommend our Floral-Cure salts.
Have you heard about the benefits of bath salts? At Per Purr, we’ll give you some very useful ideas to get to know and use a product that will benefit your daily routine.
You've probably already taken a super relaxing bath with your Natural or Herbal Per Purr shower gel. But what if you add a little more? Bath salts have been used since ancient times. With a high content of magnesium, calcium and minerals, they were used to treat several bone, joint and skin problems.
When you add them to your bath water, the steam from the water will release the smells of the salts, causing a stimulating or relaxing effect (depending on the aroma).
At Per Purr, you can find a wide range of original bath salts for your daily routine:
Start off autumn invigorated and choose your favorite salts from our Autumn Essentials.
On one summer day, a friend took an industrial brand deodorant spray out of her bag and used it. As I hadn't used this type of deodorant for years, the smell disgusted me. I couldn't ignore it, it was so unpleasant. She then opened a bottle of hair mask and ran it through the ends of her hair. Another strange, sweet, artificial smell invaded the room.
I asked her to let me read the label on the mask and was surprised by the amount of harmful ingredients in the product. How was it possible that this friend, who takes such good care of her diet, health and body, could use this type of product?
No, it's not nonsense, nor am I being radical. I am a demanding person when it comes to what I use on my skin and in my hair.
I explained that the mask had dyes, silicones and petroleum by-products. She was shocked: "What? That's disgusting! What do I do now? I want to start using natural products.”
A new world opened up for her. I sent her articles explaining the damage that many ingredients in everyday products can cause. I explained to her that the exfoliant she so enthusiastically and proudly showed me contained plastic microbeads that can contaminate the oceans and be ingested by fish. I recommended that she use exfoliants made of sugar or salts, such as the Per Purr exfoliant or even exfoliant recipes using coffee.
I explained to her that it was a gradual change for me, especially because it takes time to find an ideal natural shampoo for your hair, a facial cream that suits your taste and, most importantly, your wallet.
My advice is to start by changing 3 everyday products: soap, deodorant and toothpaste. These products are easy to find in their natural versions, and making those adjustments is already a significant change. After adapting to these products, I recommend trying plant-based oils and/or clays.
I'm a big fan of coconut oil, for example, which can be used as a makeup remover, moisturizer, aftershave, and can even be used in a natural deodorant recipe. Clay can be used as a face mask or exfoliant. At Per Purr, we have developed a clay shampoo that is incredible!
It’s important not to make a radical change, and instead switch to buying natural products gradually. Try out different products and options. One suggestion is to try the mini samples that many brands offer: at Per Purr, you can buy a sample pack with all the Per Purr products so you can try out each one.
When we start using natural cosmetics, I think we understand our bodies better. Much of our skin is just a reflection of what we eat and use. When you swap your shampoos, conditioners and masks for natural ones, you’ll discover what your hair really looks like.
Keep in mind that when cosmetics are replaced by natural alternatives, the effects may not be immediately clear. Each person’s skin/hair/body reacts differently, and there’s no way to predict this when we don’t know the characteristics of that person. So, be patient!
High-quality raw materials and natural active ingredients are more expensive than synthetic ones.
In fact, you end up saving. For me, I tend to see long-lasting results with natural cosmetics, and I see this as an advantage. For example, I wash my hair less often if the shampoo is natural and of superior quality. When I use Per Purr's shower gel, I don't have to use a body moisturizer every day.
I'm sure many of you don't know this, but the composition of natural cosmetics makes them versatile.
Per Purr's natural soaps can be used on both the body and face. Our conditioners can also be used as a hair treatment mask or a leave-in conditioner. Per Purr's orange and ginger facial oil has an anti-wrinkle, anti-acne and toning effect. In other words, over time you’ll discover how to enjoy the versatility of each product.
Once we realize how getting back to the natural world positively affects different aspects of our lives – our health, our wallets and the environment – we can see that it’s not a trend, it’s a matter of urgency. When we see the boost we get from this process of transition, we can’t put a price on that.
SLS has been used as an ingredient since 1930, commonly used as a cleaning agent in household disinfectants, laundry detergents or dishwashers, as well as in shampoos, body washes and toothpastes.
Today, sodium lauryl sulfate is frowned upon for unfounded reasons. There is a current narrative in which SLS is a threat to human health, with claims that it can cause cancer, hair loss, disrupt biological systems, etc. These claims are not scientifically supported and therefore should be considered false and misleading.
It turns out that SLS is a great inexpensive surfactant with a high cleansing capacity, and it also creates a rich foam. But it is not the best choice for everyone. Because of its strong astringent action, it has a more abrasive effect, which can cause irritation for some people. Today, there is a new generation of gentler surfactants with an excellent cleaning capacity.
Biotechnology allows these new cleaning agents, natural plant-based (surfactants), to perform their functions gently. This technology also means they are biodegradable, and all of their components are derived from renewable and sustainable natural resources (plant-based).
They say: "You don’t need foam to get a good wash."
It’s true. But at Per Purr, we love foam and we don't want to do without it. Foam is a fundamental part of a pleasant shower, helping to achieve a soft, silky and natural look.
SLS-free shampoos are known for not creating foam or lathering. At Per Purr, we use extremely mild sulfate-free surfactants (detergents) that provide a deep and long-lasting clean feeling, and create a rich, dense lather.
Now that Per Purr is arriving in Portugal, here are a number of cities that you should visit to
get to know a little more about the country of our Iberian brothers and sisters. Grab your
suitcase, your Per Purr travel kit, and let's take a trip together.
● Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, also known as "the city of 7 hills", due to its hilly
streets. Experience Lisbon’s charm when you take a ride on tram 28 that winds
through the center of the capital, visiting the Castle of São Jorge and the Sé
Cathedral. Don't forget to walk around Belém, visit the Tower, the Padrão de
Descobrimentos and Jerónimos Monastery, and finish the day with a pastéis de nata
(Portuguese egg tart pastry) and an espresso. A walk through the Baixa Chiado is a
must, with its typical shops and cafes. The café "A Brasileira"preserves its old-world
charm, where you can also find the statue of the famous Portuguese writer,
Fernando Pessoa. If you like nightlife, then Barrio Alto is your spot – it has many bars
and terraces that you can check out with your friends at night. The Rua Cor de Rosa
near Cais do Sodré is a street which, ages ago, was lined with bars for the sailors
who used to frequent them looking for prostitutes, but is now filled with nightlife, bars
and trendy restaurants.
● Sintra is a small village near Lisbon, which you can get to by car (be careful when
parking) or by train. Sintra is a city straight out of a fairytale, with its Palácio da Pena
at the very top (summer residence of the last monarchs of Portugal), which is worth a
visit just to see its rooms decorated as if people still lived there. A little further down,
you’ll find the Quinta da Regaleira, a magical property where you can get lost in its
gardens and mazes. Visit the village of Sintra and sit outside on a terrace to try a
Periquita pastry and coffee. You can also visit the Mouros Castle.
● Coimbra is one of the oldest and most important cities in Portugal, as it was the
residence of the first monarchs in the country. It was also the setting of one of the
best known love stories of the Portuguese court: the forbidden love between Prince
Pedro and the lady of the court Inês, who was executed by order of King Afonso IV, who
saw this romance as a threat of subjugation to the Castile kingdom. For a long time, the
city was the capital of the kingdom, but later became a renowned site of universities and
public schools. Here, you can visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in the
country and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Monastery of São Miguel,
you can visit the tomb of the first monarch of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, along with the
Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Velha and the Cathedral of Coimbra. Check out the main
museum in the city, the national museum Machado Castro, and if you want to see the
garden of Inês and Pedro, visit Quinta das Lágrimas. For the little ones, Portugal dos
Pequenitos is a must see, with its replicas of the country's typical houses. End your day
with a boat trip on the Mondego River.
● Porto is a magical city, with its houses and streets near the Douro River. A visit to the
São Bento Station with its impressive architecture is a must, as is a walk to the
Cathedral and the Torre dos Clerigos. Wander down the infinite stairs and streets in
the center until you reach Ribeira, with its traditional restaurants and shops. If you
dare, take a boat ride on the Douro River and be amazed by the magnitude of the
bridges and the city. You’ll also find the famous Port wine cellars along the river,
some of which are open to tourists. Downtown is the home of one the most famous
cafes in Porto, the "Majestic" café, along with one of the most famous bookstores,
"Lello". Don’t forget to try one of the most typical Porto meals, the famous
"Francesinha".
● Serra da Estrela is one of the highest points of continental Portugal, which you can
enjoy during the cold and snowy winter months. During the spring, you’ll be dazzled
by its mountains and vegetation. Climb to the highest point of the Serra to find the
Tower and go skiing on one of its many slopes. Finish your day by enjoying cheese
from the Sierra on a slice of Seia bread.
● Óbidos, just 70 km from Lisbon, is a small fortified city that looks like something out
of a movie. Within its walls, you’ll find a small castle that was declared a national
monument, along with its typical medieval houses. Lose yourself in its narrow streets
and try the famous "Ginjinha de Óbidos" in a glass of chocolate.
● Berlengas is an archipelago, located 10 km from the city of Peniche. It is formed by 3
islands, but you can only visit the Verguenza Mas Grande. In the port of Peniche, you
can take a boat that brings you closer to the island, just a 45-minute ride away on the
Atlantic. These islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’ll find nothing but
fauna and flora and small fishing houses. Here, you can visit the Lighthouse of the
Duke of Bragança, which is still functioning, and don’t forget to visit the Fort of São
João Batista on your trip. The island has a limited capacity, and no overnight stays
are allowed.
The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines Pharmacy as a science, a profession or a laboratory. The RAE always falls a little short in its definitions, but this time we are going to talk about pharmacies as a more special space, where well-being is looked after and bonds are created.
Anna de la Rubia de Bolós, owner of Farmacia Nieto (Ceuta) is very clear that a pharmacy is much more than "a store that sells medicine or remedies". A pharmacy can also be a home. She grew up above one and behind its counter.
Descended from pharmacists, she always knew she wanted to be a pharmacist. Four years ago, after the loss of her paternal grandmother, she became the head of Farmacia Nieto.
It had to continue to be a welcoming and historic space, but it also had to reflect her personality.
In a pharmacy, they look after your wellbeing and advise you on health issues, which is why Anna considers the personal touch of Farmacia Nieto to be fundamental.
Per Purr: Tell us Anna, was it the journey to creating a personal touch that made you include natural products?
Anna: In the beginning, I always went for well-known and fashionable products that people asked me for. That gave me some guidance as to which brands to work with, until I began to realize that it wasn’t the way to do things (at least in my opinion).
They weren't brands I liked. I think, in the end, a pharmacy should be personal.
Although sometimes it is necessary, I don't like to have brands that don't motivate me to sell. As I worked with these brands, I realized the best thing to do was to rely on my own tastes and instill them in the public rather than the clients in me.
P: A great commitment and decision.
A: Yes, I started to become more and more interested in natural cosmetics and I saw that people responded well, even those who are not so "eco-minded". Because there are two types of people; those who want a natural product because of its formulation and those who use it because it’s trendy.
P: And about your relationship with Per Purr, how did you discover us?
A: I found you through social networks, and, in fact, I wasn’t working with a natural hair-care line.
One day a girl came in asking me for natural children's shampoo and I saw you guys and I jumped at the opportunity. Because, although you are not 100% a children's brand, some products can be used from childhood. Although that girl’s request was what pushed me to be interested in you, even if it wasn’t for children, it was a great idea! Everything fell into place at the time because I also wanted to have a hair-care line that was generally natural and not too extensive and medium-priced. In the end, when people use products that they like, they don't look at the price (as long as it's reasonable).
P: So, was the introduction of Per Purr's products simple?
A: It took me a while to get it out there at first, but this confinement period and social networking have helped me a lot. Now it's a brand my customers are clamoring for! I hope it stays that way!
P: What do you think about the sale of natural cosmetics in pharmacies?
A: I don't think it's good or bad to sell natural cosmetics in a pharmacy. I think it's more personal and different, and nowadays differentiating yourself is a fundamental part of growing, or at least trying to.
P: Thank you very much for your honest opinion, Anna. To conclude, what would you say is your favorite Per Purr?
A: I couldn't give you a single top product because they're all amazing. Everything from the shampoos and conditioners, which make your hair look amazing, to the body oils and dry brush. I've heard great things about the dry brush from customers, it's one of the best sellers in my pharmacy.
Both the fragrances and the textures make customers want more and more. Obviously, when the results are as expected, success is 100% assured.
To end the interview, I would like to thank you for the work you do and for your dedication, from the manufacturing of each product until it reaches the pharmacy. Because every time I receive the merchandise, the love for your work is evident, which motivates sales! And, of course, thank you for counting on me for this interview. Thank you very much.
After reading the article by Catarina Alves on the 'Ellas Hablan' (‘Women Talk’) website, we wanted to share all aspects of the "witch hunt" against ingredients prohibited in modern cosmetics with you. We are fascinated by this topic, and decided to discuss and explain it in a simple and understandable way. If you want to take a look at the original post (in Spanish), click here.
The increase in demand for paraben-free cosmetics indicates that people nowadays have more knowledge and pay more attention to health. However, few people know exactly why they want to avoid these ingredients. The general established idea is that they are bad for us, but why are they bad?
We will tell you all about parabens, their bad reputation and the reasons why many experts warn of the risk of searching for alternatives in brands that attempt to take advantage of this marketing frenzy.
Parabens are a compound consisting of acid and alcohol derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid. There are several types of parabens according to their composition, and the most commonly used forms in the cosmetics industry are methylparaben, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben. Despite their complicated scientific names, these compounds are nothing more than preservatives.
They are commonly found in personal care products such as soaps, moisturizers and deodorants, and can also be included in many makeup products.
Due to their composition based on acids and alcohol, parabens prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, microbes and mold in these products – which is very important if we consider the fact that they are usually stored in humid environments (such as the bathroom) and often are exposed to germs through direct contact with the skin of our hands. Their purpose is simply to increase the lifespan of these products and retain their properties and qualities for longer.
Despite their widespread use in the cosmetics industry, today, parabens have fallen out of favor as a result of several scientific studies that have raised questions regarding their safety.
In 2004, traces of parabens were discovered in breast cancer patients. Although it was not proven whether these were the cause, the first doubts were raised against their use.
The European Union declared in 2008 that parabens ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate and methylparaben were safe, but also recognized that further studies were required into the possible side effects caused by propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben use. In 2015, the EU introduced a regulation to reduce the amounts and use of propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben in cosmetics products, such as moisturizers, intended for children under the age of 3.
The general conclusion of all studies on parabens is that yes, they may have contraindications and further detailed studies are necessary, particularly regarding their possible role in the development of cancer. However, they are also some of the most controlled preservatives in the cosmetics industry and researchers warn of the danger of using their bad reputation as a marketing strategy.
Although researchers are in favor of safer and more natural alternatives, they fear that brands will start using the paraben-free label to attract more consumers, exchanging them for other less-researched types of preservatives with possibly more harmful consequences for the body.
The use of paraben-free cosmetics is a matter of personal preference.
If you do not mind using cosmetic products with parabens, experts recommend avoiding those with propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben and to opt for ethyl paraben and methylparaben, since the latter are better-researched in terms of their consequences and are considered as safe parabens.
How to tell if cosmetics contain parabens:
Paraben-free cosmetics usually declare this by either using a logo or with a small phrase on their labels. However, no legislation obliges them to indicate this on their labels.
If the formula contains parabens, they should be listed in the product ingredients list. Search the list for names like:
In Per Purr, we use another preservative (derived from coconut oil). This choice is NOT because we hate parabens, but because it is a high-quality raw material, which in addition to preserving our products, also provides them with extra soothing properties for skin and hair.
