The use of the preservatives has received significant bad press of late, culminating in a number of manufacturers offering products ‘free from’ the ingredients.
Although the industry regulatory bodies maintain that the levels at which the parabens are used are safe, some argue the ingredients pose health dangers.
According to Godfrey, much of the negative press stems from a study published in 2004 that he claims is seriously flawed.
For Godfrey, who believes the pressure is not from consumers but from non-governmental organisations and the media, manufacturers should not be turning their back on parabens as there is no scientific basis for concern.