Paraben-Free Cosmetics - Basic
While there is not scientifically noted issues with parabens, many forward thinking brands - and buyers - are looking for ways to eliminate the number of chemicals we introduce to our skin. The following products are free of chemical preservatives and instead use natural preservatives, such as grapefruit seed extract to prolong the usability of the product.
Personal care companies are removing parabens from their products due to possible links between these xenoestrogens & breast cancer, weight gain & fetal abnormalities.
Parabens, such as propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben, are synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products like shampoos, skin creams and deodorants. They are suspected to be endocrine disruptors, and they have been found to mimic estrogen in laboratory experiments. Many people have allergic reactions to these preservatives causing skin rashes and irritation. Needless to say, there is a great ongoing debate as to the safety of products containing parabens.
What Are Parabens?
If you've ever read the back of your shampoo bottle, you've no doubt seen parabens listed among the ingredients; butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, isobutylparaben and propylparaben are found in everything from makeup remover and shampoo to shaving cream and toothpaste. These chemicals act as preservatives, extending a product's shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Parabens are used in tens of thousands of products, and are even found in many items – even some processed foods – that claim to be "natural" or "hypoallergenic" (buzz terms that aren't governed by federal standards or definitions).
Why Are Parabens Harmful?
Parabens' chemical structure is strikingly similar to the hormone estrogen; in fact, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that all parabens have been proven to have endocrine-disrupting effects. When paraben-laced products are applied to your skin, they are absorbed into your body and may be mistaken for estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system, and too much estrogen – or estrogen mimickers – can cause big problems, including weight gain, fluid retention and depression, and possibly even cancer.
Parabens & Breast Cancer
Researchers are also investigating what role estrogen may play as a culprit in the development of breast cancer: In 2004, scientists in the United Kingdom detected parabens in 18 of 20 breast cancer tumors they studied, suggesting a link between parabens and breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Fund indicates that parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults.
Parabens & Physical and Reproductive Developmental Abnormalities
Parabens have been linked to several other hormone-related health issues, including abnormal fetal development in pregnant women, and abnormal development of male reproductive systems.
Parabens & Weight Gain
Estrogen also helps to regulate the activity of fat cells, meaning that yes, it's possible parabens in your shampoo are kick-starting your fat cells, and in turn making you fat.
Parabens Threaten the Environment
Besides being risky to your health, parabens pose environmental risks. Washed off in the shower or at the beach, they can accumulate in waterways and soil, and disrupt the hormones in animals. Scientists have documented hundreds of animals with genetic defects, such as frogs with extra legs, which they say could be the result of paraben pollution.
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