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There are approximately 35 types of dangerous chemicals contained in cosmetics. One of the most common ones we find is parabens. You must have seen a label that reads " paraben free “On beauty products.

Parabens are preservatives that are used in a wide variety of personal care products to prevent the growth of fungi, bacteria and other microbes in creams and cosmetics, especially in humid places like bathrooms. These endocrine disrupting chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, blood, and digestive system. According to Arthur Rich Ph.D., a cosmetic chemist in Chesnut Ridge, New York, about 85% of cosmetics on the market contain parabens.

What products usually have parabens?

All products that have a composition ending in parabens such as, ethylparaben , butylparaben , methylparaben , propylparaben , isobutylparaben , isopropylparaben , etc., we must be aware of. Parabens can also be found in food, but the following products are the ones we use the most, such as:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Bath soap
• Scrub
• Cosmetics

What are the dangers of parabens?

Regular and long-term use of products containing parabens can cause a variety of health problems, from mild to serious.

1. Endocrine disorders

Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors due to their ability to mimic estrogen. In cell studies, parabens weakly bind to estrogen receptors. A 2004 study has detected parabens in breast tumors. Studies have shown that at sufficient concentrations, parabens can increase the cell proliferation (cell growth rate) of MCF-7 breast cancer, which is often used as a measure of estrogenic activity sensitivity. In MCF-7 cells, isobutylparaben and isopropylparaben most potential for proliferation, but they are still 170,000 times lower than estradiol.

The so-called "long chain" parabens, such as butylparaben , isobutylparaben , isopropylparaben and propylparaben , has the strongest estrogenic activity among those widely used in body care products. A study shows that isobutylparaben prenatals in mice show increased uterine body weight and uterine sensitivity to estrogen in the offspring. Ethylparaben exhibits low levels of estrogenic activity and methylparaben shows almost no estrogen activity. In addition to having an estrogenic effect, parabens can block androgens (eg testosterone) and inhibit the enzymes that metabolize estrogen.

2. Skin cancer

Use skin care products that contain parabens, especially methylparaben can trigger damage to skin cells and impaired cell proliferation. Daily use can lead to an increase in the concentration of methylparaben because this substance is not completely processed by the body. When parabens are combined with other estrogenic chemicals, they have the potential to influence the development of malignant melanoma (a form of skin cancer), through both estrogenic and genotoxic activity.

3. Interferes with fertility

Propylparaben and butylparaben can reduce sperm production and trigger a decrease in testosterone levels, meanwhile methylparaben and ethylparaben does not affect sperm production. These effects will appear depending on the dose you are taking. Additionally, a study found that exposure butylparaben for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding will change the development of the reproductive organs and sperm production.

In general, propylparaben and butylparaben can interfere with the male reproductive system and affect the reproductive organs. This is due to the estrogenic activity described above.

Banning the use of parabens

In 2014, the European Union Regulatory Commission banned isopropylparaben , isobutylparaben , phenylparaben , benzylparaben , and pentylparaben . And on April 16 2015, the European Union Commission assessed that use butylparaben and propylparaben a continuing potential risk to human health. Therefore, its use must be in accordance with the recommendations Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Although the use of parabens in cosmetics is relatively small, if all the personal care products and cosmetics that we use every day have parabens, of course it will be dangerous.

How to avoid it?

Look for products labeled " paraben free And read the ingredient list on the label to avoid products that have parabens. Many natural and organic cosmetic manufacturers have found effective alternatives to prevent microbial growth in body care products without having to use parabens. Several companies have also created preservative-free products that have a shorter shelf life than conventional products, which is six to one year.

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