Parabens: Definition

Parabens: Proprietary name for the methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Common Names: methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben.

Details: These synthetic preservatives are frequently used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, and deodorants. Parabens can be an ingredient in baby lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products for children.

Methyl and propyl parabens are also allowed for use as food preservatives in small quantities. They are considered "Generally Recognized As Safe" for food uses.

HOWEVER: It has long been know that Parabens, in their pure form, are highly toxic. If taken by mouth they can be slightly toxic and until recently there has been little on the toxicity through the skin.

Parabens: May cause skin irritation, rash or dermatitis, or allergic skin reactions.

Parabens: Have been found to act like the hormone estrogen in laboratory experiments.

Parabens are the most widely used cosmetic preservatives in the United States.
From: Stehlin, Dori. Cosmetic Safety: More Complex Than at First Blush. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Consumer, Revised May 1995.
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html

A survey of 215 cosmetics found that 99% of those used on the skin contained parabens.
From: Pesticide and Toxic Chemical News (October 8, 1998).

Dr Philippa Darbre: Dr Philippa Darbre cancer researcher at the University of Reading, has written several reports highlighting the use of dangerous chemicals in deodorants. Speaking of here most recent report, Dr. Darbre said " 'Finding these chemicals [Parabens Ed.] in human breast tumours does matter, because we know from other work that they can mimicthe way oestrogen works to drive the growth of cancer." Dr. Darbre went on to say 'For years people have said there is no way they could enter the body because of our physiology, but I think it is to do with a physical overload of chemicals and that some are being absorbed by the skin'.

If you are interested in reading the report by Dr. Dabre please use the link below. Please be aware that it is very technical.

Click here for a copy of the study

Deodorants and Breast Cancer - Recent Media Coverage