Note about preservatives when choosing skin care products for mothers and babies

Recently, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) has issued an official letter on the inclusion of 5 Paraben derivatives (Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben and Pentylparaben) into the list of substances not used in cosmetics because of danger. for the health of consumers. The Ministry of Health stated that domestically produced and imported products containing ingredients containing Paraben are only allowed to circulate on the market until July 30, 2015. So what is Paraben and what risks does it pose to the health of users as well as mothers and children that the Drug Administration prohibits?

1 / What is Paraben?

Paraben is the common name of the preservative chemicals used as an additive (added during preparation) in cosmetics: shampoo, shower gel, lotion ... Thanks to its antibacterial properties and Antifungal, Paraben is used to prolong the shelf life of cosmetics and ensure that the original quality of cosmetics is not affected by external factors such as weather, sunlight, and temperature.

However, many reports and studies around the world have shown that the active substances parabens with the same activity as the female hormone estrogen can disturb hormonal balance (causing breast cancer risk. in women, an increased risk of infertility in men); At the same time, can cause dermatitis, increased risk of allergies if used in high concentrations. Currently, the world is still debating about the negative effects of parabens on the health of users as well as whether to ban the use of these active ingredients in cosmetic chemical products. But countries as well as the pharmaceutical and health regulators of countries all agree: should reduce the concentration of parabens in products or prioritize the use of physical and non-chemical methods of preservation, to limit the use of chemical preservatives to avoid negative health effects.

So, consumers should pay attention: do not overdo cosmetics for beauty problems if there are other measures that do not require contact with chemicals. For pregnant or lactating mothers and children, the selection and use of cosmetics must consider ingredients more to limit the risk of allergies and ensure health for both mother and child.

2 / What should mothers and children keep in mind when choosing cosmetics?

For pregnant mothers and during lactation, the selection of cosmetics or skin care products for mothers and babies must pay great attention to ingredients because their skin is very sensitive. cold and vulnerable, besides, what the mother uses will penetrate the body and easily impact the baby's health. For young children, especially children under 3 years old, their skin is also extremely sensitive so it is not advisable for them to use the same adult shampoo, shower gel or lotion because of detergent. Strongly will dry the baby's skin and cause an allergic risk.

In order to limit the risk of affecting health, when choosing shampoo, shower gel or cosmetics for mother and baby, mothers need to note the following points:

Should use preservatives-free cosmetics and skin care products.

If possible, choose skin care products, fragrance-free cosmetics (without fragrance), low foam (less detergent or strong soap).

For pregnant mothers, limit makeup because the pores are easily irritated, causing acne.

Natural products such as coconut oil to prevent and care for the skin of pregnant women should be prioritized before thinking about cosmetic chemicals.

In addition, mothers and babies also need to pay attention to detergent products, fabric softeners to avoid using the scent that is too harsh for the baby or making the baby's clothes dry, affecting the child's health.