The Truth About Parabens...

A few days ago I was talking to some friends over brunch and the topic of "parabens" came up. For those of you not familiar with the word, parabens are found in literally every cosmetic item we use. Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They can be found in shampoos, deodorants, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives in some products.

Basically, a huge percentage of the products you buy for everyday use contain some form of parabens.

In 2004 a research study reported that parabens were found in 18 out of the 20 breast tissue samples taken from breast tumors. According to Philippa Darbre, the lead researcher of the study and oncology expert at the University of Reading, in Edinburgh, the chemical form of the parabens found in 18 of the 20 tumors tested indicated that they originated from something applied to the skin, the most likely candidates being deodorants, antiperspirants, sunless tanning products, creams, or body sprays.

The end result is that while they found the parabens in the breast cancer tumors, the researchers could not definitely say that the breast cancer was because of the parabens.

My question is: "If I am washing my body and hair with parabens, shaving my legs with parabens, brushing my teeth with toothpaste that contains parabens, then putting on cream and deodorant that contain parabens, followed by a nice body spray that contains parabens... how much is too much?"

There has been a growing debate over whether or not the parabens found in underarm deodorants have any link to women and breast cancer. I have read both sides of the argument on this issue…parabens are bad/ parabens are ok... and since there have been studies that say that it is not healthy, I have chosen to take the precautionary route and try to not use products containing them. Parabens are also listed on labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben.

There are a few companies joining the "paraben free" movement such as Burt's Bees, Jason Natural Personal Care Products, and Sephora. Hopefully others will follow suit.

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If you would like more information on parabens, please read more here.

posted by Sharon A. Wyse L.Ac.