What are parabens and should we avoid them?
You may have noticed a few products cropping up with “paraben free” on them.
But, what are they? And should we be avoiding them?
I am going to try to simplify this for you and give you some information from sources I trust.
Well, basically, parabens are preservatives used in cosmetic products and sometimes food. Look out for them in your shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, toothpaste, moisturisers, deodorants….. pretty much check the labels of all your cosmetics! They are also found in food products like pies, sausages and pastries.
Their function is to stop fungus and bateria growing in your products.
Parabens are derived from petroleum and you will often see it prefaced with methyl, propyl, butyl, ethyl, isobutyl, isopropyl or benzyl.
So why are people freaking out about parabens?
In a study looking at breast cancer, parabens were found in the tumours of 18 out of 20 women. This led to the suspicion that parabens might be causing an increase in breast cancers.
In another study by the US Environmental Protection Agency, parabens were found to mimic hormones and disrupt endocrine function (our glands which secrete hormones around the body).
There is also some evidence that “butyl paraben adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system. In the present study, it is shown that propyl paraben also adversely affects the hormonal secretion and the male reproductive functions.”
The EWG Skin Deep Database rates several parabens at the toxic end of the scale.
The Chemical Maze Bookshelf Companion says to avoid parabens because of “suspected endocrine disruption, suspected skin or sense organ toxicity, contact skin irritation or dermatitis in some people and wildlife and environmental toxicity.”
On the other hand, there is this information from Choice Australia – ” The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety conducted a review of parabens in consumer goods, and determined that they didn’t pose a risk in the quantities permitted in such products. However the Danish government has banned the use of some of the larger-molecule parabens in products for children up to three years old as a precautionary measure, as children might be especially vulnerable to endocrine effects. This is of particular concern if products are used on broken skin, such as nappy rash.”
So, what’s the verdict?
My concern about these products is the amount we use and the fact that parabens are stored in our bodies. Dr Peter Dingle, scientific researcher and toxicologist says “although companies assure us that the chemicals known to be toxic are in amounts too small to cause harm, no one knows what their long-term, cumulative effects will be. What’s more, we don’t know how toxic these substances are when combined with other ingredients in the product.”
Personally, I think there is enough of a risk and questions raised for me to avoid parabens and err on the side of caution. I also try to avoid all products made from petroleum. Remember parabens are just one of the chemicals that can cause problems.
How do you avoid parabens?
Read labels, read labels, read labels! I like to look up The Chemical Maze or EWG skincare database to check products and ingredients. I also like to stick with good quality, natural skincare that I trust, like Twenty 8, Miessence and Mukti to name a few.
You might also want to check out my post on The Best Australian Natural Skincare Brands.
What do you think? Do you avoid parabens?
Great post, lots of constructive information simplified for all of us. We will be sharing for sure.
thanks Jodi – I hope it was making sense without sounding like a science lesson 🙂
Great post, looking forward to the list of cosmetics you recommend! 🙂
There are so many out there these days – which is good to see!!
I avoid them too and it’s getting a lot easier to do, which is nice. As you mentioned, it’s the cumulative effect that concerns me. Great stuff as always, Sonia.
it’s getting easier – so many great natural brands out there now!
Two years ago, I would have said yeah yeah Parabens, blah blah, but fast forward to today, and I actively try to avoid parabens (and lots of other nasties). I can’t believe how my life has changed (for good!)
When you add up all the chemicals that are entering our bodies, it is really quite frightening and it is no wonder that illnesses and allergies etc are increasing.
I think sometimes people are put off by some of the low chem brands because they’re either really expensive or they think they’ll sacrifice quality. I use Sukin for my moisturiser/ face wash etc and Organic Care for my body soap, shampoo and conditioner and they seem to do the trick!
that’s exactly how I got into going chemical-free – to ease the load on my immune system! is Organic Care from the supermarket? Just double check those labels. x
http://www.naturesorganics.com.au/uploads/51c11d82eaa5a.pdf
This is the link to the Organic Care, does the ingredient list sound okay or should we avoid these ones too?
Thanks! And what Brand Shampoo/Conditioner do you highly recommend using?
HI Cindy, the fragrance and the methyl one are the ones I would be concerned about. The methyl one is banned in some countries. It may only be a small percentage though, so you have to weigh up the advantages. I like Moo Goo, Nature Delivers, Miessence and Alchemy.
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