parabens1There is a lot of information – including misinformation – and media attention at the moment about the use of “parabens” in skincare (and food). So what are they and what do you really need to know about them?

“Parabens” is the collective term used for a group of preservatives including methylparaben, propylparaben, buytlparaben and ethylparaben – quite a mouthful. They are used in a wide variety of products from shampoos, moisturisers and shaving gels to spray tanning solutions, personal lubrication and toothpaste. They can also be used as food additives. It is estimated that over 90% of cosmetics and skin care products currently available contain parabens.

Why are they used?

They are very effective preservatives; they essentially extend the shelf life of products. Some parabens do naturally occur in plants, and their synthetic versions are identical, however all parabens that are currently used are produced synthetically. Their commercial production methods are relatively low cost, which is great from a manufacturing perspective, but there is growing concern about their unintended, and poorly researched, side effects.

It is important to make the distinction here between parabens and preservatives. Preservatives are essential to most skincare and food products to provide some form of shelf life. Skincare products, because of their high water content, can very easily become rancid and “go off” without the use of some form of preservative system: as well as looking and smelling terrible, this could have some potentially harmful effects on your health.

What are the concerns?

There is a lot of information out there, both for and against the use of parabens as a preservative system for skincare products. They are an effective preservative in that they do their job of preserving the product they are used in. One of the major pieces of misinformation circulating at the moment – a web furphy – is that the European Commission has banned parabens. This is simply not true. What is true is that the European Commission has reviewed parabens and issued several Opinions, but has not banned them – see links below article.

Regardless, there are two major concerns relating to the widespread use of parabens. Firstly, they have been found to cause irritations to people with sensitive skin in some tests. Often products that are aimed at treating skin conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis etc contain parabens – almost illogical given they may in some cases cause irritations.

The second, and the more alarming issue, is the possible link between parabens and breast cancer. Parabens have not actually been found to be carcinogenic themselves. The issue relates to the fact that parabens are able to bind to the oestrogen receptor to activate genes controlled by these receptors, and to stimulate cell growth.

Mounting Concern

A 2004 study [1] by P. Darbre and colleagues at the University of Reading in the UK found traces of parabens in some breast tumours. It is thought that this was due to their ability to mimic oestrogen in the body, which is a known driver in the growth of breast tumours. [Ed: The authors of this study were careful to point out that the results of this study do not show that any of the parabens caused breast cancer in the women. This study is not evidence of cause and effect.] As a result however, there is mounting concern that parabens are “endocrine disrupting chemicals” – that is, that they can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance in our bodies.

The endocrine system is important for the control and regulation of all the major functions and processes of the body such as energy control, reproduction, the immune system, behaviour, and growth and development. As parabens can mimic oestrogen, there is the potential for them to disrupt the delicate hormone balance in our bodies. At this stage there is no direct link between the two, and what has been highlighted is the need for much more extensive research into this possible link.

Whilst the oestrogen effect of these chemicals on our bodies is much, much less than what our bodies themselves are capable of producing, there is a belief that we need to be mindful of the amount of these chemicals that we use every day and how they all add up over months and years. Whilst we may be using the “safe” limit of these chemicals in one product, what about the added applications of other products such as body washes, body creams, face creams, deodorant, as well as foods and other external chemicals. Careful thought should be given to how much is being utilised every day.

What are the alternatives?

Essentially, the answer is to avoid or limit your exposure to parabens, especially in products to be used in areas surrounding the breasts, such as deodorants, body lotions etc.

Instead, look for products where natural and non-harmful ingredients are used to extend the shelf life of products such as Grapefruit Seed Extract, Natural Vitamin E, Rosemary Leaf extract as well as the use of some essential oils and carrier oils such as Jojoba, Tea Tree etc – all of which have excellent micro-bacterial properties. Not only are these kind to you, but they are also kind to the planet. There are some great non-harmful and natural preservatives on the market now, so look around.

The main difference with products that do no contain parabens is their shelf life. Products that are formulated using a combination of anti-microbial ingredients and natural preservatives get excellent shelf lives of 1-2 years or 6-12 months after opening. Look for products in a pump container rather than a jar as there is a high risk of contamination when fingers are put into jars, hence they will require larger amounts of preservatives.

With the ever-increasing rates of cancers, allergies, and health issues in our society, we need to start to ask – why? We can no longer put our heads in the sand when it comes to the impact of skincare ingredients on our long-term health.

Be armed with information and make informed decisions about your health and well being!

MAKE-UP: Breast Cancer & The Oestrogen Connection – Cornell University Video



For eco friendly business that can help you find chemcial free products check out the Health & Beauty section of the Green Times Business directory!

References:

[1] Darbre, PD, A Aljarrah, WR Miller, NG Coldham, MJ Sauer and GS Pope, Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumors, Journal of Applied Toxicology, vol. 24, pp. 5-13, 2004.
For a great summary of this study by Suzanne M. Snedeker, Ph.D. from Cornell University see: http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/newsletter/articles/v9rc.parabens.cfm

European Commission Opinions:


For more information from the European Commission on endocrine disruptors:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/endocrine/definitions/life_en.htm


Written by Cara Phillips

Additional research by Suze Chalmers

Image Credit: Colleen Lane via Flickr Creative Commons