Buying paraben free products is really only one step that you should take to protect the health of your skin and that of the rest of your body. This article looks at the question of what is paraben, what it has been used for and the other compounds you should avoid when buying skincare products.What is Paraben Used For?It is used as a preservative. It is found in processed foods, health and beauty aids, cosmetics and other goods. There are actually several different kinds, all related to the petroleum-based alcohol that is used to create the compound.Paraben free products became popular as a result of some scientific studies. Researchers found that parabens were present in the tissues and bodily fluids of most people. They also found that they were present in breast cancer tumors.What is paraben doing in a breast cancer tumor? It is unclear if it contributed to the growth of the tumor. But, most breast cancers are sensitive to estrogen. The hormone supports their growth. Parabens have weak estrogenic activity, as do many other artificial ingredients on the market.Safer AlternativesParaben free products might still contain other artificial preservatives. Artificial preservatives are simply not good for our health. We should avoid foods that contain them and we should not put them on our skin. At the very least, they are prone to cause irritation and allergic reactions. Parabens actually cause some of the mildest adverse reactions.Natural oils found in moisturizers and other skincare products can become rancid if no preservative is included, but natural vitamin E is an effective preservative and an effective beauty preserver, as well. Most companies choose not to use it, because it costs more.That should cover the question of what is paraben, but what about other hazardous compounds.Other Compounds to AvoidParaben free products should also be free of artificial fragrances and colors. We are exposed to enough of these things in other ways, without our knowledge. Applying them to our skin is the last thing that we want to do.Manufacturers are not required to list the chemicals that are used to create an artificial fragrance. That is supposed to protect their “secret formula”. But, there are thousands of aromatic hydrocarbons that could be used to create that scent. Most of them are petrochemicals and they are not good for our health.The Benefit of Going NaturalNow that you know a little more about what is paraben, you might be interested in the notion of going natural. As you may or may not be aware, petrochemicals are found in everything from household cleansers to the foods that we eat.In many cases, it is difficult to identify the petrochemical. Manufacturers are not required to distinguish between a synthetic ingredient and a natural one. So, synthetic vitamin E can simply be listed as vitamin E, even though the synthetic version is derived from petrochemicals.So, while you are shopping for paraben free products, look for those that are free of petrochemicals, as well. You’ll be doing yourself and the environment a favor.