What are parabens, why they are used, and are they harmful?
In short:
Parabens are esters of salts and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries use them to a large extent for preservation. NO, parabens in cosmetics are not harmful. In order for cosmetic products containing water (creams, emulsions, lotions, tonics, milks...) to remain safe from bacteria and mould for more than a few days, they need to have added preservatives and antioxidants. We can probably all agree that you would not want to apply a mouldy cosmetic product to your skin.
In recent years you have probably heard a lot about parabens and their uses when mentioned by the media as "dangerous and unwanted" substances in cosmetics. Since then, more and more people have decided to make cosmetics that do not contain parabens, even though they do not know what parabens are, how they work, or why they are toxic. The general public's opinion is that parabens are synthetic, unnatural, and dangerous molecules that can endanger our health and interfere with our balance of hormones. This, however, is incorrect!
Parabens should be as much as 10 000 times weaker than natural phytoestrogens found in food. They are derived from hydroxybenzoic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in some fruits. Methylparaben, for example, is a completely natural substance found in blueberries.
Parabens have been used as preservatives in cosmetics for an extremely long time, and during this time no side effects have been reported. They remain one of the safest, most effective, and best researched preservatives on the market. So why are people so happy to grab for products with "Paraben free" on the label? The answer is that this has been an exceptionally successful marketing strategy by the producers of these products, despite the fact that they use less-researched (and thus possibly more dangerous) preservatives. The lack of knowledge among the public on this matter also contributes to this success. Parabens in cosmetics (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-) are completely safe, and thus "paraben free" products are just a clever marketing strategy.
Keep in mind that products that do not contain parabens may contain some very dangerous chemicals to maintain their quality.
Parabens are esters of salts and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries use them to a large extent for preservation. NO, parabens in cosmetics are not harmful. In order for cosmetic products containing water (creams, emulsions, lotions, tonics, milks...) to remain safe from bacteria and mould for more than a few days, they need to have added preservatives and antioxidants. We can probably all agree that you would not want to apply a mouldy cosmetic product to your skin.
In recent years you have probably heard a lot about parabens and their uses when mentioned by the media as "dangerous and unwanted" substances in cosmetics. Since then, more and more people have decided to make cosmetics that do not contain parabens, even though they do not know what parabens are, how they work, or why they are toxic. The general public's opinion is that parabens are synthetic, unnatural, and dangerous molecules that can endanger our health and interfere with our balance of hormones. This, however, is incorrect!
Parabens should be as much as 10 000 times weaker than natural phytoestrogens found in food. They are derived from hydroxybenzoic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in some fruits. Methylparaben, for example, is a completely natural substance found in blueberries.
Parabens have been used as preservatives in cosmetics for an extremely long time, and during this time no side effects have been reported. They remain one of the safest, most effective, and best researched preservatives on the market. So why are people so happy to grab for products with "Paraben free" on the label? The answer is that this has been an exceptionally successful marketing strategy by the producers of these products, despite the fact that they use less-researched (and thus possibly more dangerous) preservatives. The lack of knowledge among the public on this matter also contributes to this success. Parabens in cosmetics (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-) are completely safe, and thus "paraben free" products are just a clever marketing strategy.
Keep in mind that products that do not contain parabens may contain some very dangerous chemicals to maintain their quality.
What are the differences between Rastin, Rastin F, and Rastin V?
RASTIN and RASTIN F are both aromatic ointments intended for massaging of tired and overworked muscles, or for mild tension and pain in the muscles. Both may be used for a range of athletic activities as well.
The products are very similar, but their bases are different. RASTIN was first registered as a medicinal product in 1959 and is based on pig fat. In order to avoid the use of pigs' fat, we created RASTIN F, which is based on Vaseline and lanolin. In addition, RASTIN F also contains several essential oils, thus showing a slightly stronger performance than RASTIN.
The cream (not an ointment as it contains water) RASTIN V contains extra horse chestnut and ginkgo extract and is intended primarily for gentle massage of tired and heavy legs. We suggest starting the massage at the soles of the feet and working up the legs. Due to its composition, the RASTIN products aid in circulation to the muscles.
The products are very similar, but their bases are different. RASTIN was first registered as a medicinal product in 1959 and is based on pig fat. In order to avoid the use of pigs' fat, we created RASTIN F, which is based on Vaseline and lanolin. In addition, RASTIN F also contains several essential oils, thus showing a slightly stronger performance than RASTIN.
The cream (not an ointment as it contains water) RASTIN V contains extra horse chestnut and ginkgo extract and is intended primarily for gentle massage of tired and heavy legs. We suggest starting the massage at the soles of the feet and working up the legs. Due to its composition, the RASTIN products aid in circulation to the muscles.
Do you have any products that are without conservatives?
We do!
These include RIBODERMIN (which may be used on infants from the first day onward), RASTIN, and RASTIN F.
These products are all ointments and thus contain no water, thus not requiring the use of preservatives. They only contain antioxidants (vitamin A and E) to prevent or slow the oxidation of the ingredients.
In order for cosmetic products that contain water (such as creams, emulsions, lotions, tonics, milks, ...) to remain safe from bacteria and mould for more than a few days, they need to have added preservatives and antioxidants. We can probably all agree that you would not want to apply a mouldy cosmetic product to your skin. For this reason, our water containing products have antioxidants and / preservatives to maintain their quality.
These include RIBODERMIN (which may be used on infants from the first day onward), RASTIN, and RASTIN F.
These products are all ointments and thus contain no water, thus not requiring the use of preservatives. They only contain antioxidants (vitamin A and E) to prevent or slow the oxidation of the ingredients.
In order for cosmetic products that contain water (such as creams, emulsions, lotions, tonics, milks, ...) to remain safe from bacteria and mould for more than a few days, they need to have added preservatives and antioxidants. We can probably all agree that you would not want to apply a mouldy cosmetic product to your skin. For this reason, our water containing products have antioxidants and / preservatives to maintain their quality.
Why do some products contain allergens?
Allergens are natural substances (from foods, plants, or animals) that cause an immune system response leading to inflammation (on the skin, for example). Since our products are mostly or completely composed of natural raw materials, it is unfortunately unavoidable that they would contain components that are allergens to some individuals.
Do you have any hypoallergenic products?
We do. RIBODERMIN, which may also be used for sensitive skin of newborns from the first day onward.
What can I use to help with muscle and joint pain?
For older individuals, we suggest RASTIN and RASTIN F to relieve tension and pain of muscles. For athletes, we suggest our FIZIO product line.
For muscular heating before physical activity, FIZIO warming cream should be used to encourage circulation and prepare it for your next event. This can prevent the appearance of injuries that can occur due to overworking muscles. After physical exertion, sooth your muscles with FIZIO cooling gel.
For joint care, we suggest using the FIZIO Artro cream, which may be used both before and after activity.
For bruising of muscles and joints, we suggest our FIZIO herbal compress, which provides a healing effect to damaged muscles and joints.
For muscular heating before physical activity, FIZIO warming cream should be used to encourage circulation and prepare it for your next event. This can prevent the appearance of injuries that can occur due to overworking muscles. After physical exertion, sooth your muscles with FIZIO cooling gel.
For joint care, we suggest using the FIZIO Artro cream, which may be used both before and after activity.
For bruising of muscles and joints, we suggest our FIZIO herbal compress, which provides a healing effect to damaged muscles and joints.
Do you have an ointment for skin care for newborns and infants?
We do. Our RIBODERMIN ointment is intended for the gentle care of sensitive skin in newborns, infants, children, and adults alike. The ointment contains no preservatives or allergens. It is also used in maternity wards and hospitals.
It is available in two sizes: a 35g tube and a 250g pot.
It is available in two sizes: a 35g tube and a 250g pot.
Do you have anything for dry, inflamed, cracked, or burnt skin?
For care of cracked, irritated, and burnt skin, we suggest our RIBODERMIN ointment.
Do you have any products for use under diapers?
For care and protection of the genital region against the irritating effects of bodily waste, we suggest RIBODERMIN ointment.
It is available in two sizes: a 35g tube and a 250g pot.
It is available in two sizes: a 35g tube and a 250g pot.
How do I use the FIZIO herbal compress?
To use this product, cut through the marked area of the packaging with scissors and remove the compress.
Place the compress on the desired location, and use plastic kitchen wrap to cover it, thus preventing oil stains on clothing or bedding.
Fix it in place with an elastic bandage and allow it to sit overnight.
Once the compress has been placed, we recommend moving the affected body part as little as possible in order to avoid tearing the product.
Before placing the compress on the skin, you may apply RASTIN ointment to lubricate the area and increase its effectiveness.
In the morning, remove the compress and wash the skin. During the day, we suggest using FIZIO cooling gel to massage the area.
Place the compress on the desired location, and use plastic kitchen wrap to cover it, thus preventing oil stains on clothing or bedding.
Fix it in place with an elastic bandage and allow it to sit overnight.
Once the compress has been placed, we recommend moving the affected body part as little as possible in order to avoid tearing the product.
Before placing the compress on the skin, you may apply RASTIN ointment to lubricate the area and increase its effectiveness.
In the morning, remove the compress and wash the skin. During the day, we suggest using FIZIO cooling gel to massage the area.
Do you have any products to help with sore and bleeding gums?
For the care and maintenance of oral hygiene, we suggest using our PARAGIN tincture.
PARAGIN is the only herbal product intended for dental cavities on the Slovenian market. It is also recommended for use in cases of bleeding gums, wounds arising from wearing dentures, toothache, and to fight bad breath.
PARAGIN is the only herbal product intended for dental cavities on the Slovenian market. It is also recommended for use in cases of bleeding gums, wounds arising from wearing dentures, toothache, and to fight bad breath.
Do you have any products to help with itchiness associated with bug bites?
Due to its cooling action, FIZIO cooling gel is suitable for alleviating pain and itchiness in mosquito bites as well as those from other bugs.
Do you have any products to help with heavy and tired legs?
Our RASTIN V cream (not an ointment, as it contains water) contains horse chestnut and ginkgo extract and is intended primarily for gentle massage of tired and heavy legs.
We recommend starting the massage from the soles of the feet and working up the legs. Due to its composition, the RASTIN V cream improves circulation to the muscles.
We recommend starting the massage from the soles of the feet and working up the legs. Due to its composition, the RASTIN V cream improves circulation to the muscles.
