How to decode and understand product labels

After years of using the same personal care products, it can be difficult to find something new! Not only are you worried about them being effective, but now you have to think about the ingredients too! With so many labels and long ingredient lists, it can be difficult to determine if the product is safe and healthy.

Here is a list of some common labels, good and bad, on products and brand websites to help you check if a product does contains parabens:

BE SKEPTICAL OF

Natural: a product may be marketed as "containing natural ingredients," however, this does not mean that ALL of the ingredients are natural.

Clean: used by companies to promote their products as healthy, however, this is not always the case. Be wary of this false advertising, as it does not necessarily mean that the ingredients are safe.

Organic: while a product may state that it contains organic materials, this suggests that some but not all ingredients are organic.

WE WANT TO SEE

Paraben-free: any product labelled "paraben-free" means that the toxin has not been used as a synthetic preservative. Some common synonyms include "no parabens," "free from parabens," and "0% parabens."

Fragrance-free: in Canada, companies are not required by law to disclose all fragrance ingredients. Since parabens are typically used in fragrances, it is important to look for products that are "fragrance-free" as well.

Tips & Tricks

Shopping for new personal care products can be confusing and overwhelming! With so many brands advertising their products as “clean” and “all-natural,” it can be difficult to know whether they are telling the truth or hopping on the trend. Finding paraben-free personal care products can be quick and easy by following these steps!

Look for product labels: Brands that are intentional about being paraben-free will often emphasize this aspect. Commonly used labels include “paraben-free,” “no parabens,” “free from parabens,” and “0% parabens.”

Check the ingredients on the back of the product: Methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are three of the most common types of parabens found in personal care products. Isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben also mean that the toxin is present, while parahydroxybenzoate is a synonym for parabens.

Scan the product on one of the health apps: If you are still unsure of whether it contains parabens, you can always scan the product’s barcode on apps such as Yuka, SkinSafe, or Ama Care.