Parabens
Background
Parabens (most often seen as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben or butylparaben) are probably the most widely used preservatives in personal care products. They are used to stop microbial growth to extend the shelf life of products.
They can be found in shampoos, moisturisers, shaving cream, deodorants, toothpastes and perfumes to name a few. They have become widely used in part because they are very cheap to produce.
However, there is a lot of controversy over their usage which has arisen for a number of reasons.
Skin irritants
The first of these is to do with allergic reactions. They have been known to cause contact dermatitis which occurs when skin has an adverse reaction to a product applied to it and often results in a rash of some sort. Whilst a good reason in itself to avoid usage especially for those with sensitive skins, thankfully most of us are lucky enough not to be affected by this.
Cancer links
The second issue that is perhaps of relevance to a wider audience is due to the proven oestrogen-mimicking qualities of parabens. In testing, they have been seen to act in a similar way to oestrogen which is widely agreed encourages the grown of cancer cells, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.(1)
One researcher who has published work on the subject, Dr. Philippa Dabre, also suggested that could be a link with the fact that the incidence of breast cancer is highest in the section of the breast closest to the underarm and this adds to the likelihood that deodorants and anti-perspirants may in some way be causing this.
Many, especially the large cosmetic companies, argue that the quantities and concentrations of parabens in their products are not sufficient to cause these potential side effects. However, this argument does not consider the vast number of products that contain these ingredients and therefore how much an individual could be exposed to on a daily basis.
Lack of research
The undeniable fact is that, as it stands, we don’t know enough about the health risks of parabens. Currently, there is no definitive scientific study to show a causal link between parabens and cancer but there is enough evidence to be suspicious and until such evidence exists to show that there is no reason for concern, we would rather be safe than sorry.
Are they ageing my skin?
On a final note, “Japanese research on methyl-paraben found that it did not metabolize in the strateum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, and suggested that its presence accelerated skin aging.”
(2) Again, more research is needed, but what if the creams we are putting on our skin to slow down the aging process are actually doing the opposite?
1. Cancer Research UK: Oestrogens
2. 'The Toxic Consumer' by Karen Ashton & Elizabeth Salter Green, Impact Publishing 2006