Are Parabens Dangerous?

Author: Ewa Farjon, M.S.

In A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetics Ingredients, Ruth Winter writes: “The Parabens (…) are the most commonly used preservatives in the United States. An estimated 75 to 90 percent of cosmetics use parabens including shampoos, makeup, lotions, and deodorants. Water is the only ingredient used more frequently in cosmetics.” (Emphasis mine)

Parabens are very popular with cosmetics companies because they are effective, easy to use and inexpensive. Until recently, they were also believed to be safe. But recent studies have found otherwise. For instance, Dr. Philippa Darbre and her colleagues at the University of Reading tested samples of 20 different human breast tumors. According to the BBC News, they found traces of parabens in every sample. The BBC goes on to say, “Their tests suggested the chemicals had seeped into the tissue after being applied to the skin.” This study also verified that parabens can not only penetrate the skin’s pores; they can also accumulate in the body.

Parabens tend to act like the female hormone estrogen; and in high amounts, this hormone can cause breast cancer. We should keep in mind that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. Because of the estrogenic effects of parabens, the influence of these preservatives on young boys is of growing concern, as well. Researchers at the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research of Laboratory of Public Health, Japan reported that parabens have a negative influence on the reproductive systems of male mammals.

Another frightening discovery: Parabens have also been linked to excessive aging of the skin. Researchers at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan found that cosmetics with methylparaben can cause skin to age when it is exposed to the sun. According to environmental writer Simon Pitman , Professor Toshikazu Yoshikawa told The Asahi Shimbun, Japan’s leading newspaper, “I think women should avoid strong and direct sunshine when wearing cosmetics containing methylparaben.”

Ironically, many sunscreens contain this ingredient.

A word of caution: If the label says that a cosmetic or skincare product contains “less than 0.25%” of parabens, you should still be concerned. Even though this amount seems small, the real problem with parabens is not with the amount used, but with the fact that these chemicals can penetrate the skin and, over time, they will accumulate in the body’s tissue. This can be especially serious if you use several of these products on your skin, each one containing a so-called “small” amount of parabens!

So how can we protect our skin from parabens? Let’s start by answering these two questions:

Do you want your skin to be exposed to parabens?

Do you want to expose your children’s skin to them?

If you answered “No” to both of these questions, maybe it’s time that you started using truly holistic cosmetics. Natural, holistic cosmetics from Gems & Herbs -- all made without parabens -- are waiting for you!

Ewa Farjon, M.S., has been a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists since 2001, and has years of experience in the cosmetics industry as a formulation chemist.

Today, she utilizes her knowledge and skills to develop natural, holistic products without harsh chemicals for her own company, Gems & Herbs. Ms. Farjon is also an international speaker and SPA consultant. More information may be found at About Us.