Concerned about TRESemme products containing PVP, Parabens and Phthalates? These ingredients are declared as safe.

TRESemme is a popular hair care brand founded in 1947 by Edna L. Emme. The brand offers a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products for different hair types and needs. It is now owned by Unilever. 

Recently, TRESemme products have become a matter of concern for the consumers as they contain ingredients like Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Parabens and Phthalates which social media users claim to be harmful for humans. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Parabens and Phthalates have been declared as safe by expert panels. 

What’s the claim?

Social media users are claiming that TRESemme products contain Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Parabens and Phthalates which are dangerous when inhaled, cause endocrine disruption and are toxic. 

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Fact Check- 

Lets check the facts about the mentioned ingredients. 

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): Polyvinylpyrrolidone, or PVP is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that is widely used in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical devices. Because of its special properties, it works well as a helper ingredient in lots of products as well

The FDA has approved PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) for use in food, fruits and also in cosmetics and personal care products. Its safety has been assessed by the Expert Panel on Ingredient Safety. The panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that the said ingredient is safe when used in cosmetics and personal care products. 

They also looked at studies on a related substance called PVP-iodine, which is stronger and more likely to cause side effects. Since PVP alone is gentler, and the studies on both showed no serious safety concerns, the ingredient PVP was declared safe. 

According to the National Institute of Health, studies have shown that PVP is a safe and non-toxic substance. It doesn’t cause irritation, allergic reactions, or harmful effects when used in food, medicine, or cosmetics. It is safe to use on the skin, in the eyes, and even when swallowed. However, caution is needed when using PVP with high molecular weight in injections, especially if used often, because it can cause lumps under the skin.

Parabens: Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics to stop harmful bacteria from growing. It may be a concern for people that Parabens in cosmetics may have the potential to act like estrogen which can be associated with the development of breast cancer. However, parabens have significantly less estrogenic activity than the body’s naturally occurring estrogen. Parabens in cosmetics are present only in very small amounts and are not harmful to humans at this level. 

Studies and reviews have shown that parabens have low toxicity and do not cause cancer when used within the safety limits established by regulatory authorities. However, concerns remain about their potential hormone-like activity, particularly in young children. While current regulations consider parabens safe for use, ongoing research aims to address uncertainties and ensure their safe use.

Phthalates: The FDA has reviewed many scientific studies on the safety of phthalates in cosmetics. In 2002, an expert panel confirmed that certain phthalates are safe to use in cosmetics, even at the highest levels. A CDC report in 2001 found higher levels of phthalates in some women, but it did not show a clear health risk from cosmetics. Based on all the evidence, the FDA found no reason to ban or regulate phthalates in cosmetics.

In another study, levels of certain Phthalates in 102 cosmetic products like hair spray, perfumes, deodorants and nail polishes were measured. It was found that the estimated amount of phthalates people might absorb through skin or breathing from these products was much lower than the safety limits set by health organizations. The study concluded that phthalate exposure from these cosmetics alone is low, but combined exposure from other sources need more research.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Phthalates and parabens are declared safe when used in cosmetics and personal care products. So, TRESemme products containing these ingredients are safe to use.