What Are Parabens?
Parabens are synthetic compounds used in a wide range of health and beauty products. Why, you ask? These chemicals work as preservatives and prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, and Ethylparaben are the most commonly used parabens in makeup and skin care products.
Why Should I Be Concerned?
The chemical structure of parabens resembles that of estrogen. And, since they are not water-soluble, they get absorbed into your skin. So, parabens can mimic the effects of estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. The influx of estrogen in your body (beyond what’s normal) can cause reactions, such as the growth of tumors. All of us may have different reactions to parabens, and the most common is skin irritation. Other serious side effects include early menopause in women, hormonal dysfunction, early puberty in children, and breast cancer.
Should I Stop Using Parabens Right Away?
Parabens, especially in small amounts, do not pose a significant health risk to you. There’s a safe level prescribed for all chemicals, and most reputed brands strictly follow these regulations. However, if you want to be on the safer side and would rather opt for natural products, make sure you make an educated decision about the cosmetics you use. Understand that even all-natural products sometimes contain other synthetic ingredients that can irritate your skin. So, before you buy, read the ingredients label well and make an informed choice. If you want to break up with your old makeup and skin care products, and want to try chemical-free brands that put you first, it’s time you give them a shot. Here are the top 20 paraben free cosmetics you can easily find in India.
Best Paraben Free Cosmetics And Their Reviews
Skin Care
Makeup
Paraben-Free Skin Care
1. Biotique Morning Nectar Skin Moisturizer
Improves skin texture Lightweight and is absorbed easily Suitable for all skin types Affordable
Slightly heavy for oily skin during summers
This Biotique moisturizer is a treat for your skin. It is blended with the goodness of pure honey, seaweed, and wheat germ. If you’re looking for a natural cream that sinks into your skin and immediately leaves it feeling hydrated and noticeably fresher, you need to try this out! You only need a pea-sized amount for your face and neck, and it also smells great. Use it as your daily moisturizer, a base for your makeup, or even as a night cream.
2. Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
Contains glycolic acid, which helps maintain clear skin Contains green tea Non-comedogenic Lightweight and matte finish
Available only online
This mattifying moisturizer from Plum is a total game-changer. It is not only free of parabens but is also free of silicone, SLS, and phthalates. The formula is white and has a gel to a cream-like consistency. We love its mild, fresh fragrance that is similar to their green tea face mask. It is perfect for acne-prone skin and combination skin. If you’re looking for a paraben-free moisturizer that’s also 100% vegan, this is the way to go!
3. Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem
Made of 100% natural ingredients Gorgeous packaging Works well for sensitive skin Does not dry out your skin
Price is on the higher side
This luxurious face cleanser contains the goodness of saffron and neem – both of which are incredibly beneficial for your skin. Neem works as a natural antibacterial agent while saffron is anti-inflammatory and filled with antioxidants. If you have dry skin, this makes for the perfect morning cleanser. If you spend a lot of time outdoors during the day, it is better to use a stronger cleanser at the end of the day.
4.The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution
Pros
Contains the goodness of Tea Tree Oil Vegan Dropper applicator
Cons
Less quantity for its price
Review Looking for a paraben-free solution to treat your blemishes? This one from The Body Shop is a blessing for blemished skin types. This easy-to-spread and fast-absorbent formula treats blemishes and improves the overall condition of your skin. It also controls the oiliness of the skin to keep it smooth and clear. The lightweight formula is 100% vegan and effective.
5. Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20
Pros
Applies evenly and smoothly Non-sticky and non-greas Travel-friendly packaging Infused with aloe vera
Cons
SPF could have been higher
Review Aroma Magic is insanely popular for its mineral line, and this sunblock is one of their many gems. If you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, this aloe vera sunscreen gel will work like magic for you. The formula is a translucent gel, and once you apply it, it leaves your skin feeling cool and refreshed. It does not melt or oxidize and is fragrance-free. Besides the goodness of aloe vera, this sunblock also contains non-nano zinc oxide, chamomile, avocado, and grapeseed oils.
6. Mamaearth Bye Bye Blemishes
Free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oils, dyes, and fragrances Easy to apply and is absorbed quickly Doesn’t clog pores Hypoallergenic
Only available online
Mama Earth has been a total game-changer when it comes to chemical-free skincare products. This cream is specifically designed to get rid of uneven skin tone and blemishes. It is enriched with vitamin C and organic daisy flower and mulberry extracts that help restrict melanin deposit (dark spots). It is also antibacterial and antifungal, making it a safe option even for pregnant women. [ Read: How To Use Mamaearth Bye Bye Blemishes Face Cream? ]
7. Biotique Bio Fruit Whitening Lip Balm
Pros
Chemical-free Dermatologist-tested Cruelty-free Hydrates and smooths lips
Cons
May not be suitable for extremely dry lips
Review The Biotique Bio Fruit Whitening Lip Balm is enriched with 100% pure botanical extracts and has no nasty chemicals. This lip balm evens out the lip tone, keeps the lips hydrated, nourished, and makes them smoother. You can also use this lip balm under your favorite lipstick. It has a fruity flavor, and the smooth texture glides easily on your lips.
8. Himalaya Refreshing & Clarifying Toner
Removes dirt and impurities efficiently Does not sting the skin Gentle on the skin Affordable
The packaging is not travel-friendly
This all-natural toner from Himalaya contains ingredients like citrus and lentil that help clean out the gunk from your pores. It leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, and supple and does not dry it out like most alcohol-based toners tend to do. So, if you’re someone with sensitive, acne-prone, and dry skin, you will love how gentle this is. All you need is a cotton pad and a few drops of this toner applied twice a day for skin that feels and looks fresh.
9. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub
Helps brighten and illuminate your skin Lightens acne scars and dark spots Mild fragrance Removes tan
Price is on the higher side
We all need a go-to scrub for that weekly exfoliation and deep cleansing. And this one by Kama Ayurveda makes for the perfect one owing to all its natural properties. The kumkumadi oil in this scrub works brilliantly to tackle pigmentation and dark spots. It pleasantly smells of almonds and saffron. Its granules are very tiny, making it a safe option even for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, so the 50 mL pack of this scrub will last you for a long time.
10. Greenberry Organics Aloe Vera Hydro 3-In-1 Gel
Can be used in multiple ways Gentle on your skin Affordable
Available only online
This 3-in-1 aloe vera gel can be used for a number of things. You can use it as a moisturizer, a primer, an eye mask, a hair mask, and also to treat insect bites or inflammation of any sort. If you’re looking for a staple aloe product, this one is an excellent option as it is affordable, and the tub will last you for a long time. However, it does have a rather strong fragrance even though aloe vera is supposed to be mostly odorless. It doesn’t linger on for too long and fades after a few minutes of application.
Paraben-Free Makeup
11. Iba Halal Care Pure Lips Long Stay Matte Lipstick
100% vegan and natural Free of sulfates and parabens Contains natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E Affordable
Average staying power
If you’re on the hunt for a cruelty-free makeup brand, Iba Halal has a bunch of unique and natural makeup products. Its lipstick range comes in 22 different shades, so you have a variety of colors to choose from. You can also choose between glossy and matte finishes from its diverse collection. The only catch is its staying power and waxy fragrance. But besides that, this product not only works as a lipstick but also nourishes and moisturizes your lips.
12. Himalaya Herbals Kajal
100% natural kajal Contains soothing ingredients like camphor Does not irritate the eyes Easy to remove
Not smudge-proof or water-proof
If you have sensitive eyes and want a kajal that contains wholesome herbal ingredients like almond oil, castor oil, and camphor, this one by Himalaya is meant for you. It is super pigmented and easy to use. Its formula leaves your eyes feeling cool and refreshed owing to the camphor, and it also has eyelash thickening properties, which are a big plus. The only catch is that it does not stay on all day long and smudges easily.
13. Lotus Herbals Natural Blend Comfort Liquid Foundation
Infused with the goodness of herbs Decent coverage Comes with SPF 20 Great packaging
Limited shade options
This 100% vegetarian foundation from Lotus Herbals is an oil-free, lightweight, and matte finish formula that works well for all skin types. It comes in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser and is really easy to apply and blend into your skin. It lasts for 7-8 hours, making your face look fresh and radiant. However, it comes in only three shades, so it’s not very easy to find a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone.
14. Lotus Herbals Natural Blend Swift Makeup Stick
Lightweight Blends easily Photo-friendly Travel-friendly
Not suitable for oily skin
The Lotus Herbals Natural Blend Swift Makeup Stick is an all-in-one makeup stick that works as a foundation and a concealer with sun protection. It helps even out your skin tone and conceals imperfections without clogging your pores and giving you a cakey effect. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend the formula out, and you’ll be surprised at just how quickly it blends. This one’s free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and is also a vegetarian product.
15. FacesCanada UltimePro Makeup Fixer
Pros
Non-sticky Hydrating Long-lasting Cruelty-free Alcohol-free
Cons
None
Review This spray from FacesCanada, as the name suggests, helps your makeup stay longer without the need for frequent touch-ups. It also protects, brightens, and hydrates your skin with natural ingredients such as rosemary, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, it also soothes your skin with the benefits of chamomile. Spray it after applying makeup and watch your face come aglow with its effect.
16. Iba Perfect Look Long Wear Mattifying Compact
Pros
Long stay Oil-free Halal certified Dermatologist-tested Alcohol-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
None
Review Give your skin an instant brightening effect with the Iba Perfect Look Long-Wear Mattifying Compact. The compact powder blends smoothly on your skin, offers even coverage, and is ideal for daily use. It is formulated with SPF 15 to protect your skin from sun damage, while vitamin E provides nourishment to make it appear radiant.
17. Jovees Eye Liner Plus
Easy to apply Sleek wand and brush Smudgeproof and waterproof Long staying
Leaves you with a very glossy finish (not everyone prefers this)
This liquid eyeliner from Jovees is 100% paraben-free and is ideally suited for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Its fine-tipped applicator makes the application a breeze, and it dries pretty quickly. The staying power of this formula is very impressive as it stays on throughout the day, looking flawless. This one’s available in black and blue shades and is a total steal deal for its price.
18. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Does not irritate eyes Removes waterproof makeup effectively Can be used for lips and eyes Fragrance-free
Price is on the higher side
If you are going to be wearing makeup, you are going to have to take it off at the end of the day. So, what’s better than a safe, paraben-free makeup remover to do that? Neutrogena is one of the most reliable skincare brands, and this makeup remover won’t disappoint you. It gently removes even the most stubborn mascara and lipstick without having to make too much of an effort. It is a dermatologist-developed and ophthalmologist-tested.
19. Soul Tree Ayurvedic Lipstick
Natural, safe, and free from harsh chemicals Very pigmented Does not flake on dry lips Safe for pregnant women
Average staying power
This organic lipstick from Soul Tree is a treat for all you natural makeup lovers. Its formula is enriched with organic sweet almond oil, honey, and ghee, making it rich in moisture. This lipstick comes in 16 shades and is free of parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances. With a staying power of around 5-6 hours, this makes for a great natural lipstick.
20. SHANY Creme Concealer Stick
Contains shea butter and vitamins E, A, and C Easy to apply Stays on for long Hides dark spots and blemishes effectively
Limited shades available
This concealer stick from SHANY is a multi-purpose tool that not only covers up redness and other skin imperfections but also works to help eliminate these blemishes from within. It does so with the help of retinyl and ascorbyl palmitate that is in its ingredients. It is free of talc and parabens, making it a safe option for even the most sensitive skin types. [ Also Try – Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream ] These are the best paraben-free cosmetics available on the market. Let us see what you need to know before buying paraben-free cosmetics.
What To Consider Before Buying Paraben-Free Cosmetics
Check Ingredients
Check the list of ingredients mentioned on your cosmetic products. It is mandatory for manufacturers to mention any parabens they could be using in the product. Checking the ingredients label will give you an idea. Parabens are usually associated with various health issues. For instance, methylparaben, commonly used in cosmetics, could cause premature aging. It can also cause cancerous skin damage and allergic reactions. People with sensitive skin should stay away from parabens.
Look For Organic Acids
Cosmetic manufacturers use parabens to preserve their products. If you want to avoid parabens in your cosmetics, then you need to replace them with alternatives. Organic acids are used to replace parabens in cosmetics as they are safer. Some such organic acids include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and Diazolidinyl urea.
Increase Your Budget
If you have made up your mind to switch to paraben-free cosmetics, then you need to be prepared to spend a little more. Most cosmetic brands use parabens to make them cost-effective. Having safer ingredients in a product can increase its price, but that price offers you better results too.
Go For Herbal Cosmetics
Herbal products do not contain parabens and use natural herbs and spices as ingredients. Such products can heal and enhance your skin. With growing concerns regarding the effect parabens may have on your well-being, it’s a good idea to opt for safer alternatives that are free of such additives. It is essential to be vigilant in choosing your cosmetics. To do this, always check the ingredients label and stick to those products that holistically support your wellness. That was our roundup of the top 20 paraben-free cosmetics in India. What do you think about organic cosmetics? We would love to hear your thoughts on this. Share with us in the comments section below.
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