At Banbu, we formulate with ingredients of natural origin and choose each one for what it brings to your skin and hair. We also decide what to leave out. All the ingredients on this list are permitted in cosmetics, but we prefer not to use them to remain consistent with natural cosmetics that are more environmentally friendly.
This is the list of ingredients that you will not find at Banbu:
- Parabens. These are preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi (in the INCI: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben). We do not use them: below we explain how we preserve our formulas.
- Phenoxyethanol. This is the most common synthetic preservative used as an alternative to parabens. We do not use it either.
- Phthalates. They are used to fix fragrances and soften plastics. Our fragrances are formulated without them.
- Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane…). They give an immediate smooth feel because they coat the hair and skin, but they build up with use. We prefer plant oils and butters.
- Petroleum derivatives (paraffin, petroleum jelly, mineral oil). We use plant oils and waxes instead.
- PEG. These are synthetic emulsifiers and thickeners that are difficult to break down in the environment.
- Aggressive sulfates (SLS and SLES). They clean very thoroughly and can dry out the skin. In our shampoos, we use mild surfactants derived from coconut, such as Sodium Coco-Sulfate and Coco-Glucoside.
- Antiperspirant aluminum salts (Aluminum Chlorohydrate and similar). They block sweat; our deodorants neutralize odor without closing the pores. Clays such as kaolin naturally contain aluminum and are indeed part of some formulas.
- Formaldehyde derivatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea…). These are preservatives that gradually release formaldehyde.
- Halogenated compounds. Ingredients containing chlorine, bromine, or iodine, such as some preservatives and antimicrobials.
- Diethanolamine (DEA). It is used to create foam and adjust texture, especially in shampoos.
- EDTA (Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA). It boosts the effectiveness of other preservatives and is difficult to break down in the environment.
- BHT. It is a synthetic antioxidant. We protect our oils with vitamin E.
How do we preserve our formulas without parabens?
Any formula that contains water needs a preservative to be safe during use. We achieve this in three ways, depending on the product:
- Shampoos, creams, serums, toners, styling gel, and toothpaste tablets: sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, food-grade preservatives. In some creams and serums, they are accompanied by benzyl alcohol or dehydroacetic acid. All are approved by organic cosmetic standards.
- Shower gels and facial mousses: they are saponified soaps. Their own composition prevents microorganisms from proliferating, so they do not need added preservatives.
- Deodorants, balms, solid perfumes, oils, solid hand cream, cleansing balm, solid exfoliants, and powdered toothpaste: they are formulas based on oils, butters, waxes, and powders, without water or with very little. They hardly need preservation: vitamin E protects the oils from oxidation and, in some, glyceryl caprylate, which is plant-based, reinforces the protection.
In each product sheet you will find the complete list of ingredients (INCI), so you can check everything each product contains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Banbu products contain parabens?
No. None of our products contains parabens. We preserve them with food-grade preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, or with formulas that do not need them.
Is Sodium Coco-Sulfate a sulfate?
Yes, but it is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is different from SLS and SLES, and it is permitted in certified natural cosmetics.
Are parabens banned?
No. The parabens currently used are permitted in the EU with concentration limits. At Banbu, we prefer not to use them for three reasons. First, they are synthetic preservatives, and our formulas are based on ingredients of natural origin: certified organic cosmetic standards, such as COSMOS, do not permit them. Second, as a precaution: in 2014 the EU banned five types of parabens and reduced the limit of two others while continuing to study their effect on the hormonal system. And third, because there are effective alternatives that do fit with natural cosmetics, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
