Parabens – Are they Truly Harmful?
Just like food, cosmetics and beauty products require ingredients to act as preservatives. Typically, these added chemicals are needed to preserve the integrity of the product as well as the necessary anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. The preservatives found in shaving products, shampoos, cosmetics, and other skincare products are known as parabens. The newest controversy surrounding the use of parabens, is the fear of their chemical links to breast cancer. Scientists discovered that paraben chemicals in numerous ways mirror estrogen, but do not produce the same effects that natural estrogen made by the body can obtain.
The use of parabens were first researched by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1984 and it was determined that they can be safely included in levels of up to 25%. When in fact these chemicals usually are only included in products in the amounts of 0.01 to 0.03% values.
After acquisitions of the possible connection between parabens and cancer, the FDA required extensive researching into the issue. The most recent documentation states that there is no need to change or enhance the guidelines previously written, and that it is deemed safe to include parabens into consumer products. They do not suspect that any health risks shall be imposed on the users of paraben contained products.
Additionally, there was a significant study done on parabens (when used in skin care products) in the EU with the conclusion being that parabens are actually broken down well before the possible entrance to the blood stream, proving the hypothesis that parabens couldn’t possibly be responsible for the controversial health issues such as cancer and reproductive malign.
Though it appears that products preserved with parabens are certainly deemed to be safe (and I know that for me I feel perfectly comfortable using them), I still feel it imperative and very important to stress that each of you should always be well informed on whatever product it is you’re using and only use formulations that feel safe and right for you. What may feel safe and right for me…may not be right for you. Additionally, studies and trials are known to fluctuate in their findings. So if you prefer to use products free from parabens and other preservatives, there are indeed a number of highly effective brands which offer treatments that are free of many preservatives and are typically known as “natural” brands. However, the word “natural” can be misleading sometimes so always check each individual product’s ingredient list to be sure there is nothing in it that conflicts with your philosophy and/or your health. But take note: another reported problem due to the paraben controversy is that some companies will actually replace the parabens within their products with chemicals that truly are harmful and then tout them as “paraben-free.”
The use of parabens were first researched by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1984 and it was determined that they can be safely included in levels of up to 25%. When in fact these chemicals usually are only included in products in the amounts of 0.01 to 0.03% values.
After acquisitions of the possible connection between parabens and cancer, the FDA required extensive researching into the issue. The most recent documentation states that there is no need to change or enhance the guidelines previously written, and that it is deemed safe to include parabens into consumer products. They do not suspect that any health risks shall be imposed on the users of paraben contained products.
Additionally, there was a significant study done on parabens (when used in skin care products) in the EU with the conclusion being that parabens are actually broken down well before the possible entrance to the blood stream, proving the hypothesis that parabens couldn’t possibly be responsible for the controversial health issues such as cancer and reproductive malign.
Though it appears that products preserved with parabens are certainly deemed to be safe (and I know that for me I feel perfectly comfortable using them), I still feel it imperative and very important to stress that each of you should always be well informed on whatever product it is you’re using and only use formulations that feel safe and right for you. What may feel safe and right for me…may not be right for you. Additionally, studies and trials are known to fluctuate in their findings. So if you prefer to use products free from parabens and other preservatives, there are indeed a number of highly effective brands which offer treatments that are free of many preservatives and are typically known as “natural” brands. However, the word “natural” can be misleading sometimes so always check each individual product’s ingredient list to be sure there is nothing in it that conflicts with your philosophy and/or your health. But take note: another reported problem due to the paraben controversy is that some companies will actually replace the parabens within their products with chemicals that truly are harmful and then tout them as “paraben-free.”
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