🎯 At a Glance
🔬 How It Actually Works
A synthetic preservative widely used in the 2000s to replace parabens. It was later discovered to be a massive sensitizer, triggering an epidemic of severe contact dermatitis and allergic rashes across the globe. Now banned in leave-on cosmetics in Europe.
💖 Why your skin loves it
Prevents bacteria in the bottle, but heavily risks your skin barrier.
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid this completely in leave-on serums and creams. Tolerable in wash-off shampoos for some.
⚖️ Myth vs. Fact
The Myth
"Paraben-free" means the preservative is safer.
The Science
MIT replaced parabens and proved to be vastly more irritating and allergenic than parabens ever were.