So what are parabens and why have they become such a health concern?
Stories about parabens in cosmetics being harmful to health have come into the spotlight more and more recently, and we really should heed the warnings. Parabens are a chemical compound of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. They are found naturally in foods like blueberries, plums, and cinnamon; however, the parabens found in cosmetics are synthetic. You may be familiar with terms like butylparaben, propylparaben, and ethylparaben – these are common preservatives found in everyday products such as:
-Cosmetic products
– deodorant
– face cream
– shampoo
– toothpaste
– bubble bath
Take a look at the ingredients of some of these products at home: it is estimated that 90% of cosmetic products include parabens.
Products containing synthetic parabens, such as face and body creams and sun lotions, are used more frequently and therefore increase the amount of parabens released into the blood. Parabens are easily absorbed as they have lipophilic properties, allowing them to accumulate in fatty tissue, for example breast tissue. There has been extensive debate about the alleged link between parabens and breast cancer, this has yet to be validated.
However, Dr. Elizabeth Smith has written that “it is a known medical fact that estrogen stimulates breast cancer” and that “whatever is absorbed through the skin can be up to 10 times higher than the concentration of a oral dose. (Think of how nicotine and birth control/hormonal patches work: the chemicals are absorbed through the skin!). She also reported that, in one study, a paraben was injected under the skin and found to have an “estrogenic response in uterine tissues.” Scientists who observed these harmful effects in the womb commented that “it is suggested that the safety of the use of these chemicals be re-evaluated.”
It has also been suggested that parabens act like estrogen (a hormone found mainly in women and essential for the menstrual cycle), disrupting the natural process. Allegedly, certain concerns in men, such as low sperm count coupled with decreased testosterone, may be directly related to paraben intake.
There has been great public and scientific interest in parabens. However, despite a large number of clinical trials to determine the toxicity of parabens, to date, there is still no conclusion.
Ideally, you should opt for quality natural skincare brands that offer products WITHOUT parabens, artificial colors, or synthetic fragrances for your peace of mind.
