What is a Paraben?
Parabens are the most popular chemical preservatives used in
the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They are compounds used as bactericidals
and fungicidals found in a wide range of cosmetic products including, but not
limited to, toothpastes, makeups, shaving gels, moisturizers, and even some
food additives.
Parabens are ‘esters’, which are formed from acid+alcohol,
of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
The most common Parabens are Methylparabens, Propylparbem and
Butylparaben.
Interestingly, Methyparabens have also been found naturally
as an antimicrobial factor in blueberries.
Why do I keep hearing this word in the news?
More recently, there has been a lot of controversy
surrounding the wide-spread use of Parabens. Research has proven these
chemicals are able to mimic the effects of the female hormone Estrogen, which
has been proven to aide in the development of breast cancer. Moreover, Parabens
have been found in breast cancer tumors; this is likely from the use of deodorant
which allow Parabens to secrete chemicals into the breast tissue. There has not
been concrete evidence that Parabens play a role in the development of breast
cancer, but links certainly have been suggested.
There has also been evidence that Methylparaben, a specific
Paraben, may negatively react to UVB light. This results in skin aging at a
faster pace, and DNA damage to skin cells.
One other concern is that Parabens could disrupt the
function of the Endocrine System, the body system that regulates hormones which
affects metabolism, growth and sexual development. In males, it has been found
that exposure to Parabens adversely affected the secretion of testosterone in
newborn males which, in return, affects male reproduction.
Interestingly, however, it has been found that Parabens are
practically non-toxic because of their quick absorption, metabolic and
excretion rates. They are generally non-reactive in people with normal skin,
but there have been Paraben allergies found in a small percentage of people.
Why are Parabens dangerous?
They are chemicals, and they are (generally) artificial. When
you use a face cream product with Paraben in it, you’re rubbing dangerous chemicals
into your skin. Now THAT is a scary
thought.
If they’re dangerous, why are they used?
They are effective and more importantly for manufacturers
and the wallets of consumers, they are low cost. Grapefruit Seed Extract is a
natural alternative but not as efficient.
In Europe, 0.4% is the allowed concentration limit of
Parabens. Interestingly, according to a European Commission’s Scientific
Committee on Consumer Products document from 2008, methyl and ethyl Parabens
were not of great concern, but propyl and butyl Paraben’s effects remained
undertermined.
Do ObeyYourBody® products contain Parabens?
NO! All ObeyYourBody®
products are 100% Paraben-Free. We promise our customers revolutionary skincare
and beauty care products derived from state-of-the-art pharmaceutical
technology. As part of a holistic lifestyle, we do not support the use of Parben-preservatives
and certainly do not put them in our products.
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