Parabens are chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics. They are most often found shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, toothpaste and even some pharmaceutical creams. Parabens are used to help eliminate and keep out bacteria and fungi out of products.Some of these chemicals have been found in plant sources, such as blueberries. However, all parabens that are used in commercial products are synthetically produced.
Seems like a good thing, right? That is actually up to debate. Parabens have also been known affect hormones. Though it has never been linked as a cause to cancer, low concentrations of parabens have been discovered in breast cancer tumors.
If it seems like such a bad thing, then why is is not regulated? According to the FDA, The Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetics act does not require the ingredients in cosmetics products to be regulated, nor is the FDA authorized to do so. Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient to their liking, so long as it is not a list of banned items that are in face being regulated.
The conclusion? The FDA has conducted numerous studies over the past 20 years and had concluded in 1984 that parabens were safe to use in cosmetics at levels up to 25 percent. Another study was conducted in 2004 and the FDA strengthened their original statement. The FDA is aware that forms of breast cancer is associated estrogenic activities, and parabens are known to mimic estrogen, so causal link has been concluded between paraben and cancer.
Although Denmark, and a few other countries have banned parabens in cosmetics for children (specifically propyl and butylparaben), the European safety commission has released its opinion on the matter as well. Parabens (butylparaben and propylparaben) as preservatives are safe to use so long as the sum of the two do not exceed .19 percent.
There you have it! The opinion of a few different nations. It’s up to you to decide for yourself now.
Tags: cosmetics, FDA bans, Organic, Paraben, Preservatives, Safety
