Starglide does not contain any parabens, petrochemicals, PEGS, glycols or hormones.  But what exactly are these ingredients and why it is best to avoid them?

What are parabens?
Parabens are a group of manmade synthetic preservatives, often found in lubricants.  Common parabens are methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben and are usually used in combination of methyl-, propyl-, and butyl parabens. They can cause irritations to sensitive skin types.  Research has shown they can have oestrogenic effects in the body and are under discussion whether they influence cancer cells.

This is what Channel 4’s ‘How toxic are you?’ programme reported on parabens:

“Parabens are related to a chemical called benzoic acid which was discovered in the 16th century, and subsequently used to preserve products against moulds, yeasts and some bacteria. The most commonly used parabens have been methylparaben (E number, E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216), and butylparaben. But E216 is one of two parabens (the other being sodium propylparaben, E217) which have recently been withdrawn under revised EC regulations on food additives. While some parabens are found naturally in plants, those used as preservatives are made in the laboratory.

Recent worries about parabens are based on a series of British studies linking the chemicals to breast cancer. In one study, laboratory tests showed that parabens weakly mimic the activity of the natural female hormone, oestrogen. While all women need estrogen, the hormone is known to help some breast tumours to grow, and part of breast cancer treatment aims to stop the effects of oestrogen.

In another study, parabens, especially methylparaben (E218), were found in 18 out of 20 samples from breast tumours. While there is no proof, it has been suggested that parabens contained in deodorant products may be absorbed through the skin under the arm and be involved in development of cancer in nearby breast tissue.”

So what ingredients are in your current brand of lubricant?  Here are three of the UK's most popular brands of lubricants.

KY Jelly:
Aqua, Glycerine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Gluconolactone, Chlorhexidine, Gigluconate, Methylparaben, Sodium hydroxide

Liquid Silk:
Highly Purified Water, Propylene Glycol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Cellulose Polymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate NSE, BNPD Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT

ID Glide lube:
Aqua, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose Polymer, Polyethylene Oxide, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Carbomer 981, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, EDTA

Don't just take our word for it.  We encourage you to do your own research.  Try Googling the word 'parabens' and look at the research for yourself.

What are PEGs/Polyethylen Glycols?
Polyethylen Glycols are commonly used as synthetic emulsifiers and combine the water and oil phase in skin care products.  Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) are found in some lubricants.  According to a report in the International Journal of Toxicology by the cosmetic industry's own Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee, impurities found in various PEG compounds include ethylene oxide; 1,4-dioxane; polycyclic aromatic compounds; and heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic. Many of these impurities are linked to cancer. Despite this, the CIR concludes that many PEG compounds “are safe for use” in cosmetics but adds that PEG compounds should “not be used on damaged skin.”  PEG compounds have been found to open the pores of the skin, enabling environmental toxins to more easily enter the body. Examples of these environmental toxins are DDT and DDE, both of which have the ability to influence the endocrine and reproductive systems.  Starglide does not contain any PEGs or Polyethylen Glycols.

What are petrochemicals?
Derivatives of the oil industry which are often found in skincare products.  Starglide is 100% petrochemical free!