B2 – Upper Intermediate
When people buy their personal hygiene and cosmetic products, they normally check the label for the ingredients and the expiry date of these products. As consumers, we prefer our products to have longer shelf life to ensure its effectiveness and safety. There are certain substances that ensure the longevity of these products. However, there are risks in exposure to these substances in high doses.
Let’s read the article and know more about some of these substances.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “spruik” mean, “A lot of the endocrine disruptor stuff you hear on social media about parabens is usually from someone trying to spruik a “natural” or “clean” alternative, so you might not be seeing the full picture.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does “without a second thought” mean? “Many things we use every day without a second thought – like aspirin, nylon, and silicone cookware – are synthetic.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
- What is “shelf life“? “They work by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi to improve product shelf life and safety.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are parabens? Which products contain them?
- Why are parabens used in certain products?
- According to the article, why are people hesitant to use products containing parabens?
- Do you opt for paraben-free products? Why or why not?
- Share your thoughts on the writer’s statement: “I’d take a small amount of a well studied, and well-regulated, chemical in my skincare products over mould any day.“.