More Than a Buzzword:
Why Zeenat by Mariam Aslam Is Committed to Being Truly Paraben-Free
In the beauty and personal care industry, the phrase “paraben-free” is increasingly plastered across packaging — often without any deeper explanation or understanding of what it truly means. For Zeenat by Mariam Aslam, “paraben-free” isn’t just a marketing trend — it’s a health-conscious, ethical, and deeply personal decision made by a brand that believes your skin deserves more than shortcuts.
Parabens are a class of synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetics to extend shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. While that may sound harmless, decades of growing concern and mounting research have painted a far more troubling picture.
The Hidden Risk of Parabens
Studies have shown that parabens — particularly methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben — can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormone disruption. They have been detected in breast tumor tissues, raising fears about a possible link between long-term paraben exposure and breast cancer.
A well-known 2004 study by Darbre et al. published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens present in ninety percent of breast cancer biopsies examined. Though the presence of parabens in tumors does not confirm causation, it raises important questions — especially when many safer, plant-based alternatives now exist.
Real-life stories continue to emerge of people with sensitive skin, hormonal imbalances, and even endocrine disorders who unknowingly used products filled with parabens — only to later discover the potential connection to their health struggles. For Mariam Aslam, founder of Zeenat, these weren’t just statistics. They were wake-up calls.
Teen Founder Who Refused to Compromise
At just 16 years old, Mariam had a bold vision: to create a luxury cosmetics brand rooted in purity, ethics, and beauty without harm. She chose to keep all Zeenat by Mariam Aslam products 100% free of parabens, despite the many challenges it posed — including a lack of formal paraben-free certification due to financial limitations.
Organizations that offer paraben-free seals or third-party verification typically require:
* Expensive lab testing
* Ingredient audits
* Costly licensing fees
For a small, self-funded, teenage-owned business, those costs are prohibitive — but Mariam did not let that stop her.
Instead, she took the hard route:
Sourcing ingredients with written confirmation from trusted vendors that guarantee the absence of parabens
Formulating with alternative natural preservatives and clean chemistry
Partnering with chemists who understand the vision for truly clean beauty
Every label on Zeenat’s products may look minimal — but behind it is maximum intention.
Why It Matters
Too many brands claim “paraben-free” while still sourcing ingredients from unclear supply chains. Zeenat by Mariam Aslam refuses to play that game. While we may not have a shiny badge from a third-party agency — what we do have is integrity. And in a time when health is increasingly tied to what we apply on our skin, trust means everything.
We believe that beauty should never come at the cost of well-being. That safety should never be optional. That young women like Mariam can lead an industry not just with formulas — but with fearless responsibility.
