Alternatives to parabens include the following: Formaldehyde Quarternium-15 Im-idazolidinyl urea Diazolidinyl urea Dimethyloldimethyl hydantoin Thymol Cinnamaldehyde Allyl isothiocyanate Citric acid Ascorbic acid Rosemary extract Formic acid Propionic acid Sorbic acid Benzoic acid Salicylic acid Benzyl alcohol 2-phenoxyethanol Sodium benzoate Triclosan Bronpol DMDM hydantoin Methylisothiazolinone Methylchloroisothiazolinone Essential oils (grape seed extract) These natural preservatives may also cause problems. They have been associated with allergies and other health issues. Formaldehyde has even been linked to cancer. Some may also interfere with medications so be sure to ask your doctor before using any of these products.  Overall there is not enough research to prove any of these are actually safe and effective alternatives to parabens.