Paradigm Shift: Paraben – And Cruelty-Free Cosmetics for All
Recent market trends had seen growth in the demand for Paraben-free cosmetics in relation brought upon by intensive campaigns for the use of cruelty-free cosmetics. A perfect example of this is the European Union cosmetic market.
Makeups are used daily to bolster ones physical appearance. Often, as long as the end product is appealing and presentable, it is enough for us that we tend to forget to read the fine print. We do not check the ingredients in the formulation of our favorite eyelash enhancer or lip conditioner. We do not bother to check on the history of the product. We simply do not care. It is recommended that we choose Paraben-free and cruelty-free cosmetics.
Cruel and Harmful Cosmetics
A lot of cosmetic companies use potentially risky chemicals to preserve the life of their products. An identified chemical class often used in cosmetic products is Parabens. The US Food and Drug Administration defines Parabens as “esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid” that can appear as methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben in grooming and cosmetic products sold worldwide.
In order to know the potency and safety of a chemical compound, some lab rats had used the unethical, costly and out dated method of animal testing. Animals are subjected under harsh tests and experiment with complete disregard of their welfare. The end result always points to the horrendous death of an innocent rabbit, guinea pig and other animals.
These cruel methods had aroused the ire of animal rights activist groups like the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), American Anti-Vivisection Society, Animal Alliance of Canada, Beauty Without Cruelty and many more. They called for the creation of Paraben-free cosmetics, thereby cruelty-free cosmetics.
European Union: A Perfect Example
The European Union is a political and economic union of 28 member-states in the European continent. The entity had established a single market with standardize laws and regulations. It includes highly developed nations with large and profitable markets among its ranks.
In this great entity, various animal rights groups have centered their barrage of public protest and intense lobbying for cruelty-free and Paraben-free cosmetics perpetuating the Union to forbid the sale and consumption of cosmetic products other than cruelty-free and Paraben-free cosmetics.
With the ban issued in March of 2013, only cruelty-free cosmetics will be allowed in the EU market. No company will be allowed to conduct new animal testing and they can only use previously tested and proven safe ingredients.
In similar note, in order to have Paraben-free cosmetics, the European Union had banned the use of five Parabens (isopropyl-, isobutyl, pentyl- and benzyl esters of 4-hydroxybenzoic and their salts). Further, they are lowering the allowed maximum concentration level for butyl-and propylparaben.
The groups behind the EU paradigm shift are working hard to replicate their efforts in promoting Paraben-free and cruelty-cosmetics worldwide. They are slowing gaining traction and massive support. They have initiated campaigns in India, China and many other nations. Soon, the market will be free of those unhealthy products and be flooded with Paraben-free and cruelty-free cosmetics.