The Perils Of Parabens
Snapdragon77 asked: Everyone is afraid of PARABENS! The product line that I use (Bioelements) lists methylparaben and propylparaben as the last ingredients, and I know that they are preservatives, but what do I tell a frightened clientele who have just heard “Parabens=Bad!”
The Left Brain Responds:
What are parabens?
Parabens are preservatives used in nearly every kind of cosmetic. They are put in formulas in small amounts to prevent the growth of disease-causing microbes. Without preservatives, cosmetics would be much more dangerous to use. They have been used in cosmetics for at least 20 years and are quite effective at killing microbes.
It’s not surprising that parabens raise so many questions. Stories about these ingredients and the perils of using products that contain them are found everywhere on the net. A quick google search of parabens and cancer results in over 300,000 hits! Sites like this and this extol the evils of parabens. Of course, sites like this and this state a much different, less alarming position. So who should you believe?
Here’s what the FDA has to say about the subject. Their position is best summed up in the following quote, FDA believes that at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens. But they are still looking at data.
And the primary governmental agency (in the United States) that receives money to research such questions, the National Institute for Health, has this position paper. Basically, researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
Why do people think parabens are bad?
So where did the furor about parabens and cancer come from? In 2004, Dr Philippa Darbre at the University of Reading published a study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology that said her group tested 20 different human breast tumors and found parabens in all of them. Neither she nor anyone else could explain how they got there or why they were there. They also couldn’t say whether normal tissue had parabens. This raised the possibility that the parabens could have something to do with the cancer, but no one could explain what was going on. And since then, there still hasn’t been an explanation. This doesn’t mean parabens have anything to do with cancer. We just can’t say they don’t.
So, what do we think?
Here at the Beauty Brains, we have to side with the majority of the scientific research. Namely, at the moment there’s no significant reason to be concerned. The notion that parabens are a major cause of breast cancer is just not true! It’s possible that they might play a role in breast cancer but there is no conclusive evidence that supports this idea. No matter how bad parabens are, microbes are much worse.
Many cosmetic industry suppliers are offering alternatives to parabens. Privately, these companies acknowledge that parabens are more effective. They also do not believe there are any real safety issues, but it is an opportunity to create new products so they are taking it. Unfortunately, every other effective preservative such as DMDM Hydantoin (a formaldehyde releasing ingredient) or Kathon (synthetic) have potential safety issues. And suggested alternatives like grapefruit seed extract · phenoxyethanol · potassium sorbate · sorbic acid · tocopherol (vitamin E) · vitamin A (retinyl) · vitamin C (ascorbic acid) don’t really work too well. The available preservatives aren’t perfect, but they are the best there is. And they are certainly better than using nothing. Bacteria, yeast, and mold could really kill you!
The Beauty Brains bottom line.
Preservative alarmists may have a point and the industry is constantly on the lookout for new, effective ingredients. They just haven’t found any. But the risk posed from these ingredients is so small that it’s not worth worrying about. There are much more critical things you can do to avoid cancer like not smoking, avoiding excessive sun exposure, exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced, low fat diet. Don’t waste your energy fretting about the preservatives in your cosmetics.
Loading ...
thebeautybrains.com » Should you use self-preserving skin products? Says:
[...] And the Left Brain Loquates… This is an excellent question and one that is likely on the minds of a fair number of consumers of cosmetics. The ideal answer is YES, we’d much prefer using a self-preserving skin care line. Unfortunately, there are currently no reliable self-preserving skin care or hair care products. Based on the best data available today, we could never recommend using a cosmetic that does not contain some kind of preservative. [...]
Jen Says:
Thank you so much for your insights and research into the Paraben issue. There is certainly a lot of hype right now. Although, I believe it is good to consider looking into possible alternative preservatives to put into our cosmetics. Just as long as other potentially more dangerous preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin or Kathon are NOT used. Very interesting stuff…
camille Says:
i hadbreast cancer 5 years ago and my hormones were so out of control. i took a salvi test and it showed thta my levels were high, i stayed away from parabens and now my levels are fine and i feel great. if you had cancer ,you must stay away from parabens
thebeautybrains Says:
Camille, thanks so much for your story. I’m glad you are feeling better now.
Remember, cancer is a complicated disease and it is not so simple to blame a single factor for making you sick.
What is all the fuss about Parabens? « Mythbuster Beauty Says:
[...] *Here is another very interesting article posted with some interesting thoughts on parabens: http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/05/02/the-perils-of-parabens/#comment-20428 [...]
Melanie Says:
Hi. I work with a plastic surgeon, and although he specializes in tummy tuck in st louis, I read a lot of the magazines that come in here, and a lot of the articles have been about parabens. Obviously, as someone who works in the beauty business, I’m interested. I’m also interested, because I’m a woman and a lot of the products I use contain parabens. Here’s what I know (remember, I’m not a doctor, so I’m certainly no expert): from what I’ve read, scientists seem to think that it would be impossible for parabens to basically go up stream. In other words, the body is constantly using sweat to move toxins to the surface, to flush them out. Parabens would have to somehow go against that flow to somehow cause cancer. I don’t know, but it sounds logical.
Jen Says:
Several medications are delivered into the bloodstream through creams and patches that are applied on the skin. Such as hormone replacement creams, birth control patches, and nicotine patches. If the upstream method holds water, (sorry), how are these medications absorbed through the skin and into our bloodstreams?
Left Brain Says:
While a few medications are delivered through patches on the skin, most molecules are not small enough to get delivered that way. For years scientists have been trying to create a patch to deliver insulin through the skin but to no avail. Some things, like insulin, parabens and most other chemicals just don’t go through the skin.
Jen Says:
That is good information to know. Thanks Left Brain!
Angel Says:
“Don’t waste your energy fretting about the preservatives in your cosmetics.”
???!!! Holy hell! Somebody has to! The FDA is doing a bang up job lately.
I guess I don’t have to ‘waste my energy’ fretting about the other dozen or so drugs and ingredients the FDA was forced removed from public availability after wrongful death lawsuits were brought to court- and WON. It’s our job as responsible consumers to ask questions and know what we are putting in/on our body. If we don’t question it, then we are effectively allowing companies to say and do whatever they want.
Oh and btw, those parabens in most deodorants cause my underarms to break out in cracked, chafed, BLEEDING rashes. Which is why I have to go with deodorants which do not contain them.
Next you’ll be trying to convince us to sprinkle parabens on our morning bagel because it’ll make our boobs grow bigger.
Left Brain Says:
Blah, blah, blah. You spout all these “facts” and provide no proof.
What COSMETICS were using these “dozen or so drugs and ingredients the FDA was forced removed from public availability”?
What’s your proof that it’s the parabens that are causing your underarm bleeding? It’s more likely caused by something else (like a fragrance ingredient).
Your arguments add nothing to the conversation. If you have some proof or facts to add, please feel free. Making sarcastic remarks only exposes that you have only emotion to back up your opinions and are devoid of any real data.
Incidentally, we don’t encourage anyone to sprinkle chemicals on their bagels. Also, there is no proof that parabens (or anything else) will make boobs grow bigger. But if you’re aware of some research that suggests otherwise, we’d be happy to look at it.
thanks
Left Brain
nicola Griffin Says:
RE-PARABENS
I am a nutritionist and all I can say is that for patients who cannot swallow tablets I use a vitamin C cream which is highly absorbable! With this in mind we must all be very careful what we put day in day out on our skin.
A very good new Skincare range from the UK is REN they use no parabens,sulphates etc and are wonderful products.www.renskincare.com
thebeautybrains Says:
RE-Vitamin C
Two things.
1. Parabens are not the same as vitamin C so their skin absorption profile is irrelevant to whether parabens absorb. There are a few things that can be delivered topically to the bloodstream, however, most things can not. This is why people who have diabetes can’t simply wear an insulin patch instead of getting daily injections. In this regard, parabens are more like insulin than Vitamin C.
2. I’m a bit skeptical that a Vitamin C cream will have much effect on the concentration of vitamin C in your bloodstream. A quick look at Pub Med revealed that even with lasers and microdermabrasion you don’t get penetration of Vitamin C in the bloodstream. Do you have a study that you can show which demonstrates Vitamin C absorption into the blood stream from topical delivery?
Nigel Horsley Says:
I would point out that Dr. Philippa Darbre, of the UK, is a woman and and not a ‘he’ as previously indicated above. Her details can be found here.
Another outstanding researcher is America’s Dr. Devra Davis of the University of Pittsburgh. Check her out here and see the very latest news today on lead (remember the recent scandal over lead in lipstick).
As for parabens, and phthalates for that matter - better safe than sorry so avoid them, especially if you are pregnant or contemplating getting pregnant.
Lavera’s cosmetics and skin care products have organic and natural ingredients and contain none of the controversial substances.
thebeautybrains Says:
Thanks for the clarification Nigel.
I didn’t think the lead story was a big scandal.
Dr. Darbre may be onto something however, she has one un-reproduced study that shows parabens are found in breast tumors but it also shows they are found in non-tumor tissue.
It’s yet to be proven that the two are related. But scientists are continuing to look into it.
As far as Lavera goes, you make some incredible claims, but don’t provide a list of ingredients for your products. You must be preserving the products with some kind of nasty preservative. The packaging you’re using is standard stock bottles so there’s nothing special there. Why do you hide your ingredients? Please let the rest of us know where we can find ingredient lists so we can verify your incredible claims.
The Beauty Brains » Blog Archive » Is Clinique Careful About Their Packaging? Says:
[...] in most cosmetics will keep bacteria from growing. Of course, that means more “chemicals” like parabens must be added to the formula. But then again, preservatives need to be added to the product whether [...]
The Beauty Brains » Blog Archive » How shampoos work - part 1 Says:
[...] Preservatives are added to the formula to ensure the product doesn’t become contaminated by bacteria, mold, or yeast. Common preservatives include parabens and urea [...]
Wynter Raine Says:
First I’d like to say I enjoy reading this site (wealth of information).
But I still have some more questions pertaining to the use of chemicals (mostly preservsatives) used in cosmetics & beauty products.
1. If these chemicals (preservatives) are being used in several beauty products that we use everyday. Then can we assume that its plausible…that we may be using a greater amount every day - than the (FDA) recommended amount?
2.I thought that when ever the FDA allows a chemical to be used in human products - that they also give provisions as to the maximum amounts that may be used?
3. I am concerned that the amount of(preservatives) I use on a daily basis in multiply products. The amounts may be greater than I aknowledge & perhaps could be potentially harmful.
4. I am concerned of using (preservatives) in beauty products - for instance if (paraben) is included in the ingredient of say - your lipstick, lip gloss, toothe paste, lip liner, face cream, hand cream. Then how do you know how much you are actually ingesting on a daily basis & whether or not it is harmful to you?
5. I was under the impression from various data that I have read - that parabens are an “estrogen like compound” is there any truth to this claim?
Looking forward to your feedback on these issues. I want to use the most effective products that I can & still be healthy.
Thankyou, Wynter
Suzie Says:
This is not about the concern of parabens and cancer, but another issue with them that may provide an answer for those who feel they are a problem for them. Parabens are benzene based. This fact took me a long time to discover. It turns out I am allergic to benzene and it derivatives causing skin rash and respiratory problem (predominately swelling of the nasal passages). Sulfa, also from benzene can be deadly to some who have this allergy. Since I have strived to remove all product using these derivatives from my cosmetics, prescriptions and foods after 4 years I am no longer plagued by rashes and breathing problems on a daily basis. I occasionally get into something, but life is much better now. Discovering what is a benzene derivative is not easy as there are many. Some I have discovered are benzocaine, benzalkonium chloride, benzoates, etc. I hope this helps someone else to stop suffering.
thebeautybrains Says:
Wynter,
Thanks for your comments. As to your questions…
1. For most chemicals used as preservatives, the FDA sets no recommended daily amount.
2. The FDA does not set levels of most cosmetic chemicals.
3. There is no evidence that the amounts of preservatives you’re exposed to on a daily basis are harmful.
4. Things like this can never be “known”. However, there is no evidence that ingestion of preservatives from beauty products causes any problems. There is evidence that improperly preserved cosmetics will cause disease. Which of these things would you rather protect yourself from?
5. This is what the FDA has to say about the estrogen effect of parabens. “In a review of the estrogenic activity of parabens, (Golden et al., in Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 2005) the author concluded that based on maximum daily exposure estimates, it was implausible that parabens could increase the risk associated with exposure to estrogenic chemicals.” So, there is truth to the claim but there is no evidence that it is a problem.
There are so many things in this world to worry about. Parabens in your cosmetics are just not one of them.
Suze,
You provide an interesting and different perspective. Thanks. Is this allergy something that your doctor told you about?
Suzie Says:
Briefly, yes. It took two allergists and nearly a year to track down the offender as being benzene based starting with a reaction to sulfa, then benzalkonium chloride and finally benzocaine. With reactions to each of these, we then started looking at the benzene ring and eliminating foods, lotions and prescriptions one by one.
I now read all labels carefully every time I buy something and if I don’t recognized an item I pass on getting it or check to see if it is benzene based. (The every time is necessary as product ingredients are sometimes changed without any notice.)
Jane Says:
Thanks for this discussion of parabens. I think you’re right that the paraben-alternatives you mention aren’t obviously safer than parabens. But you neglect to mention another option–don’t use preservatives at all! Instead, use common grocery store ingredients to satisfy your beauty needs, so you don’t have to buy commercial products. I never would’ve thought this was possible/practical a year ago, but since then, I’ve gradually started eliminating conventional products (for both healthy and enviro reasons) and am really pleased to be using the following substitutes:
shampoo–a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse, followed by a tiny bit of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap (ok, so Dr. B’s is commercial, an exception)
conditioner–a few drops of jojoba oil
cleanser–jojoba oil with a few drops of lemon and/or peppermint essential oils (this is a nice combo for my oily/acne-prone skin)
toner–diluted apple cider vinegar or lemon juice or nothing
moisturizer–a few drops jojoba oil, neat, if needed
deodorant–crystal rock, leaves me smelling good but I’m still sweaty, but I *know* there’s nothing potentially unsafe in it
facial scrub–a water and baking soda paste
deep moisturizing (for hair, skin, or under eyes)–olive oil, neat
light moisturizing (or skin or under eyes)–almond oil
Just google “homemade beauty recipes” and you should find more as well. These are just what’s worked for me so far. Happy hunting!
thebeautybrains Says:
Jane,
Thanks for the tips. While your recommendations can be effective they will not give everyone the excellent results that properly formulated beauty products will. However, they are worth a try.
One thing to watch out for however. Natural and homemade solutions are not preserved and thus will not be safe after a certain amount of time. Don’t use things that you haven’t made fresh.
Jasmine Says:
My dermatologist told me that I should avoid parabens because of my eczema, I don’t see how they would harm healthy skin or else they wouldn’t add them to products. I guess the pros out weigh the cons.
Nigel Horsley. Says:
My apologies for not getting back onto this site sooner and answering the question posed about ingredients in Lavera products.
Please visit the German website http://www.lavera.de, go to the little Union Jack flag sign top left so you get the English version. Then, go to the search button at the top right, enter the word ingredients.
We don’t use synthetic ingredients.
Our shelf life longevity (2+ years) comes from the incredibly stringent production processes. We also invest in lined tubes so the contents cannot become tainted.
I would encourage you visit our North American website http://www.lavera.com, and the news releases under ‘Press’. We are taking the high ground in trying to alert the public to the dangers of the contents of the majority of mainstream skincare products. Synthetic estrogens are turning up in our environment in fish, and they’ve come from sunscreens!
Nigel Horsley. Says:
Please visit the Organic Consumers Association and see their campaign against companies ‘misbranded’ as having organic personal care products. The website is at http://www.organicconsumers.org.
NO personal care products certified by USDA or Germany’s BDIH, were found to contain any 1-4, Dioxanes.
It remains a source of puzzlement to me that this entire subject recieves so little attention in the mainstream press. African American women appear to be particularly vulnerable to effects of chemicals in personal care products according to Dr. Devra Davis, at the University of Pittsburgh, a world renowned environmental oncologist. Worth visiting her website too at:http://environmentaloncology.org/staff_davis.htm. She’s a true American heroine.
Nigel Horsley. Says:
A couple of websites worth visiting:
http://www.organicconsumers.org. Again use the search button and enter ‘parabens.’
Also, it’s worth visiting http://environmentaloncology.org/staff_davis.htm Again, enter the word parabens.
I have mentioned Dr. Devra Davis in a previous post. She’s an environmental oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh, and, in my opinion a true American heroine.
Her team believes that African American women appear to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of synthetic estrogens in personal care products with earlier onset of puberty and higher and earlier rates of breast cancers.
Nigel Horsley. Says:
Please check http://www.organicconsumers.org and enter ‘parabens.’
Another excellent website is http://www.safecosmetics.org.
The Beauty Brains » Blog Archive » 7 Reseasons There Aren’t More Preservative Free Cosmetics Says:
[...] all the time. People wonder why compounds with potential safety issues like formaldehyde or parabens are used. Should they use self-preserving cosmetics? They also ask why cosmetic companies [...]
7 Reasons There Aren’t More Preservative Free Cosmetics | Beauty Secrets Blog Says:
[...] all the time. People wonder why compounds with potential safety issues like formaldehyde or parabens are used. Should they use self-preserving cosmetics? They also ask why cosmetic companies don’t [...]
Tony Says:
Love your website!
But in the name of correctness I have to inform you that Dr. Philippa Darbre is a female, not a male. (You refered to her as “he” and “him” several times.)
By the way, she agrees with you. Her study alarmed her but she has not yet seen any significant link between parabens and cancer, just a general concern.
thebeautybrains Says:
Thanks Tony. I’ll make the corrections. Can’t believe we missed that one.
Kimberly Says:
Saying that the FDA says there are no current risks shouldnt be much of a comfort. The FDA hasnt done a very good job so far. Americans are sicker than ever despite the steady increase in funding for “research”. These are the same people who allow our meat and dairy products to have steroids and hormones maybe we need to consider the idea that just because someone tells us to trust them that we should. Im still looking for an organic deodorant that actually works well