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Parabens:
The Facts & Why You Shouldn't Fear Them in Your Products!
December 28, 2012
Parabens are one of the most reliable and sensitive-skin appropriate forms of preservatives, yet they have been the victim of media-fueled scare tactics. What's the real evidence behind these claims? As it turns out, all it takes is a little homework to find there is no legitimate reason for consumers to avoid cosmetic products that contain parabens.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding parabens, the independent, peer-reviewed published research and global cosmetic regulatory organizations are making that answer clear: parabens, especially in the small amounts used in personal-care products, do not pose a significant health risk, not in the short or long-term. What is a risk is the suggestion that skin care or makeup products should forgo preservatives (without them, your mascara, foundation or moisturizer would be overrun with bacteria and mold).
What's the Paraben Fuss All About?
Parabens may come in the form of butylparaben, ethylparaben,butylparaben, methylparaben, or propylparaben, and in a misunderstanding of a 2004 research study, they were mistakenly linked to breast cancer when their metabolites (not parabens themselves) were detected in breast cancer tissue samples.
But not so fast! Soon after the panic over parabens began, the researcher who conducted the 2004 study (P. Darbre) responded in Journal of Applied Toxicology to the media-drawn connection between parabens and cancer with a clear statement, “No claim was made that the presence of parabens had caused the breast cancers.” In fact, as the considerable global research has exhaustively demonstrated, parabens are broken down, metabolized and excreted harmlessly by the body.
Another cause for suspicion? Parabens are phytoestrogens, producing a weak estrogenic effect on the body, but whenever the effect of an ingredient is evaluated perspective is critical. That is, how do tiny levels of parabens in skin care stack up against other phytoestrogens that occur naturally in food or the estrogenic effects of commonly consumed medicines? In-vivo testing demonstrated parabens was 10,000 times weaker than naturally occurring phytoestrogens, such as those found in the foods and medicines we consume every day.
International Safety Assessments of Parabens
Wondering what the US and global science community has found on this issue? Here are studies from the US, and on an international level weighing in on the established safety record of parabens in skin care products:
The American Cancer Society has concluded, based on its research findings, that the scientific and medical research does not support a claim that the use of parabens in cosmetics can increase an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer.
The FDA began studying the effects of parabens in response to the outcry of their potential estrogenic effect and link to breast cancer. The FDA found that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics, and it also says that, based on the weight of all the current scientific evidence, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of products containing parabens.
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Final Opinion on Parabens, which is the official statement by the European Union on the unequivocal safety of parabens in skin care, cosmetics and personal care products. This summary of decades of long-term and short-term safety data reinforced the EUs previous decision that parabens are safe in personal care products.
Health Canada, the Canadian FDA-equivalent, also finds that, "Currently, there is no evidence to suggest a causal link between parabens and breast cancer."
The Personal Care Products Council, a US organization that reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in an open, unbiased and expert manner, consolidated more than 265 studies in The Journal of Toxicology that noted a women’s daily cosmetic regimen using products that contain parabens caused no adverse reproductive effects and confirmed the safety of parabens.
Bottom Line
Ironically, parabens are naturally occurring chemicals. We say ironically because many natural skin-care brands claim ingredients like parabens are dangerous, when in fact parabens have exhaustive safety data AND are naturally produced by vegetables and fruits. Foods such as soy, beans, flax, cherries, blueberries, carrots, and cucumbers produce parabens and other chemicals that mimic estrogen—to a much greater degree than the miniscule amounts of parabens used in skin care and cosmetics. That's the super irony--brands like Yes To Carrots (and their sub-brands Yes To Blueberries and Cucumbers) use the label "paraben free", but carrots and blueberries (and cucumbers) are all natural sources of parabens!
Despite this fact, when was the last time you read a media report or received a forwarded e-mail about the breast cancer risk from cucumbers, beans or berries? In contrast, you've likely seen media reports or emails regarding parabens and their link to estrogenic activity. The truth is that on a global scale, there is an exhaustive degree of scientific and medical studies demonstrating the safety of parabens used in skin care and cosmetics. So the next time you read a story that vaguely indicates parabens are unsafe, think twice before you believe the hype and remember the facts--the tiny levels used in your personal care products are not harmful.
The Facts & Why You Shouldn't Fear Them in Your Products!
December 28, 2012
Parabens are one of the most reliable and sensitive-skin appropriate forms of preservatives, yet they have been the victim of media-fueled scare tactics. What's the real evidence behind these claims? As it turns out, all it takes is a little homework to find there is no legitimate reason for consumers to avoid cosmetic products that contain parabens.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding parabens, the independent, peer-reviewed published research and global cosmetic regulatory organizations are making that answer clear: parabens, especially in the small amounts used in personal-care products, do not pose a significant health risk, not in the short or long-term. What is a risk is the suggestion that skin care or makeup products should forgo preservatives (without them, your mascara, foundation or moisturizer would be overrun with bacteria and mold).
What's the Paraben Fuss All About?
Parabens may come in the form of butylparaben, ethylparaben,butylparaben, methylparaben, or propylparaben, and in a misunderstanding of a 2004 research study, they were mistakenly linked to breast cancer when their metabolites (not parabens themselves) were detected in breast cancer tissue samples.
But not so fast! Soon after the panic over parabens began, the researcher who conducted the 2004 study (P. Darbre) responded in Journal of Applied Toxicology to the media-drawn connection between parabens and cancer with a clear statement, “No claim was made that the presence of parabens had caused the breast cancers.” In fact, as the considerable global research has exhaustively demonstrated, parabens are broken down, metabolized and excreted harmlessly by the body.
Another cause for suspicion? Parabens are phytoestrogens, producing a weak estrogenic effect on the body, but whenever the effect of an ingredient is evaluated perspective is critical. That is, how do tiny levels of parabens in skin care stack up against other phytoestrogens that occur naturally in food or the estrogenic effects of commonly consumed medicines? In-vivo testing demonstrated parabens was 10,000 times weaker than naturally occurring phytoestrogens, such as those found in the foods and medicines we consume every day.
International Safety Assessments of Parabens
Wondering what the US and global science community has found on this issue? Here are studies from the US, and on an international level weighing in on the established safety record of parabens in skin care products:
The American Cancer Society has concluded, based on its research findings, that the scientific and medical research does not support a claim that the use of parabens in cosmetics can increase an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer.
The FDA began studying the effects of parabens in response to the outcry of their potential estrogenic effect and link to breast cancer. The FDA found that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics, and it also says that, based on the weight of all the current scientific evidence, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of products containing parabens.
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Final Opinion on Parabens, which is the official statement by the European Union on the unequivocal safety of parabens in skin care, cosmetics and personal care products. This summary of decades of long-term and short-term safety data reinforced the EUs previous decision that parabens are safe in personal care products.
Health Canada, the Canadian FDA-equivalent, also finds that, "Currently, there is no evidence to suggest a causal link between parabens and breast cancer."
The Personal Care Products Council, a US organization that reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in an open, unbiased and expert manner, consolidated more than 265 studies in The Journal of Toxicology that noted a women’s daily cosmetic regimen using products that contain parabens caused no adverse reproductive effects and confirmed the safety of parabens.
Bottom Line
Ironically, parabens are naturally occurring chemicals. We say ironically because many natural skin-care brands claim ingredients like parabens are dangerous, when in fact parabens have exhaustive safety data AND are naturally produced by vegetables and fruits. Foods such as soy, beans, flax, cherries, blueberries, carrots, and cucumbers produce parabens and other chemicals that mimic estrogen—to a much greater degree than the miniscule amounts of parabens used in skin care and cosmetics. That's the super irony--brands like Yes To Carrots (and their sub-brands Yes To Blueberries and Cucumbers) use the label "paraben free", but carrots and blueberries (and cucumbers) are all natural sources of parabens!
Despite this fact, when was the last time you read a media report or received a forwarded e-mail about the breast cancer risk from cucumbers, beans or berries? In contrast, you've likely seen media reports or emails regarding parabens and their link to estrogenic activity. The truth is that on a global scale, there is an exhaustive degree of scientific and medical studies demonstrating the safety of parabens used in skin care and cosmetics. So the next time you read a story that vaguely indicates parabens are unsafe, think twice before you believe the hype and remember the facts--the tiny levels used in your personal care products are not harmful.
Great Scott Skin Care Products
The FDA has received a number of inquires on the safety of parabens as used in cosmetics. The following information is intended to answer questions on this subject.
What are parabens?
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. Chemically, parabens are the ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, and butyl paraben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product, and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to provide preservation against a broad range of microorganisms. The use of mixtures of parabens allows the use of lower levels while increasing preservative activity.
They are ingredients known as preservatives that are highly effective in preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria and are used to preserve products and greatly extend their shelf life. Thus, they contribute directly to the quality of the product and, more importantly, its safe use for the consumer. Parabens have been used for decades as preservatives in the food, drug and personal care and cosmetic industries.
Parabens are a group of broad-spectrum preservatives (meaning they kill a variety of germs) used to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, especially molds and yeast.
Parabens are derived from benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is a chemical commonly found in plants. So, to some extent, parabens are "natural". Parabens are used in very small concentrations causing absolutely no reason for concern for most people...They are low in toxicity (they're food grad preservatives) and have low potential for irritation. Parabens are tolerated by just about everyone. Extremely sensitive people may develop a mild skin reaction. This reaction is rare...if that happens discontinue use.
We have to weigh the very small risk of a mild skin rash against the serious health threat posed by spoiled products.
YOU MAY HAVE FOUND WEBSITES (OR FRIENDS) THAT SUGGEST THAT YOU SHOULD AVOID PARABENS AT ALL COST BECAUSE OF INCREASED RISK OF CANCER. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE REAL "THREAT" OF PARABENS MAY BE THE RISK YOU TAKE BY USING IMPROPERLY PRESERVED PRODUCTS TRYING TO AVOID THEM.
The controversy over parabens, is a difficult one to sift through, It's not that there is a lack of opinion on the subject. It's just that you have to consider the source when you do find the information. It seems almost everyone has an ax to grind when it comes to this issue. It's very difficult to find objective facts. Alternative "natural" manufacturers want to sell you their paraben free products. Those products often come at a premium price. And, some manufactures are not above "distorting" the facts to sell their products.
There have been a number of articles and Internet rumors over the last couple of years that have reported an association between Parabens and breast cancer. It is implied in these reports that Parabens can cause breast cancer by acting like estrogen, the female sex endocrine hormone, through a process called endocrine disruption. Some of these studies suggest a very weak estrogenic or endocrine disrupting effect of parabens. However, these studies, which have been conducted in animals, are observed only when they are dosed with extremely high amounts of parabens – far greater than anyone would be exposed to under actual conditions of use or with repeated use. The simple fact is that the parabens are 100,000 times weaker than natural estrogen in the body - far too weak to have any effect in humans.
Are Parabens safe?
Preservatives are added to personal care and cosmetic products to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that may be introduced by the consumer during use. Any product that contains water is susceptible to being spoiled by the growth of fungi or bacteria, causing problems such as unsightly mold growth, discoloration, mal-odor or breakdown of the product. Under certain conditions, an inadequately preserved product can become contaminated, allowing dangerous levels of microorganisms to grow. Cosmetic products may be exposed to bacteria and fungi during product use due to contact with the skin or applicators that contact the skin. Parabens are widely used in all types of cosmetics to prevent these changes and protect the consumer.
The U.S. FDA has classified methyl and propyl paraben as GRAS, which means they are Generally Regarded As Safe by medical and toxicological experts for use in preserving food. The FDA has also stated that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics.
Link to FDA statement on parabens in cosmetics: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-para.html
Under European Cosmetic regulations, parabens have been reviewed for safety by the European Commission and are allowed for use as cosmetic preservatives.
Parabens provide clear benefit by effectively protecting the product against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Based on the weight of current scientific evidence, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetic and personal care products containing parabens.
More Information:
Some scientific studies have suggested that butyl and possibly propyl paraben can mimic the effect of the endocrine hormone estrogen when tested at very high concentrations in cell cultures and female mice. This effect is sometimes referred to as endocrine disruption. Some recent studies have claimed that there is a link between paraben exposure, particularly in underarm cosmetics, and breast cancer caused by endocrine disruption. These studies have been largely discredited by the scientific community, particularly by those who study the toxic effects of chemicals on the body. In fact, scientists who study the effects of products on the population (epidemiologists) have found no direct link between underarm products and breast cancer (1).
Many materials found in plants used as food also have an estrogenic effect. These naturally occurring materials are called phytoestrogens and are present in soy and other fruits and vegetables. Some of these phytoestrogens, when tested in the same way as parabens, give similar estrogen-like results. However, parabens have been shown to be 10,000 times weaker than the most potent phytoestrogens and 100,000 times less potent than estradiol, the estrogen produced naturally by the body. Most scientists agree that there is no endocrine- disrupting effect from the use of parabens in cosmetic and personal care products because their action, if any, is so weak.
The FDA has received a number of inquires on the safety of parabens as used in cosmetics. The following information is intended to answer questions on this subject.
What are parabens?
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. Chemically, parabens are the ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, and butyl paraben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product, and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to provide preservation against a broad range of microorganisms. The use of mixtures of parabens allows the use of lower levels while increasing preservative activity.
They are ingredients known as preservatives that are highly effective in preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria and are used to preserve products and greatly extend their shelf life. Thus, they contribute directly to the quality of the product and, more importantly, its safe use for the consumer. Parabens have been used for decades as preservatives in the food, drug and personal care and cosmetic industries.
Parabens are a group of broad-spectrum preservatives (meaning they kill a variety of germs) used to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, especially molds and yeast.
Parabens are derived from benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is a chemical commonly found in plants. So, to some extent, parabens are "natural". Parabens are used in very small concentrations causing absolutely no reason for concern for most people...They are low in toxicity (they're food grad preservatives) and have low potential for irritation. Parabens are tolerated by just about everyone. Extremely sensitive people may develop a mild skin reaction. This reaction is rare...if that happens discontinue use.
We have to weigh the very small risk of a mild skin rash against the serious health threat posed by spoiled products.
YOU MAY HAVE FOUND WEBSITES (OR FRIENDS) THAT SUGGEST THAT YOU SHOULD AVOID PARABENS AT ALL COST BECAUSE OF INCREASED RISK OF CANCER. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE REAL "THREAT" OF PARABENS MAY BE THE RISK YOU TAKE BY USING IMPROPERLY PRESERVED PRODUCTS TRYING TO AVOID THEM.
The controversy over parabens, is a difficult one to sift through, It's not that there is a lack of opinion on the subject. It's just that you have to consider the source when you do find the information. It seems almost everyone has an ax to grind when it comes to this issue. It's very difficult to find objective facts. Alternative "natural" manufacturers want to sell you their paraben free products. Those products often come at a premium price. And, some manufactures are not above "distorting" the facts to sell their products.
There have been a number of articles and Internet rumors over the last couple of years that have reported an association between Parabens and breast cancer. It is implied in these reports that Parabens can cause breast cancer by acting like estrogen, the female sex endocrine hormone, through a process called endocrine disruption. Some of these studies suggest a very weak estrogenic or endocrine disrupting effect of parabens. However, these studies, which have been conducted in animals, are observed only when they are dosed with extremely high amounts of parabens – far greater than anyone would be exposed to under actual conditions of use or with repeated use. The simple fact is that the parabens are 100,000 times weaker than natural estrogen in the body - far too weak to have any effect in humans.
Are Parabens safe?
Preservatives are added to personal care and cosmetic products to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that may be introduced by the consumer during use. Any product that contains water is susceptible to being spoiled by the growth of fungi or bacteria, causing problems such as unsightly mold growth, discoloration, mal-odor or breakdown of the product. Under certain conditions, an inadequately preserved product can become contaminated, allowing dangerous levels of microorganisms to grow. Cosmetic products may be exposed to bacteria and fungi during product use due to contact with the skin or applicators that contact the skin. Parabens are widely used in all types of cosmetics to prevent these changes and protect the consumer.
The U.S. FDA has classified methyl and propyl paraben as GRAS, which means they are Generally Regarded As Safe by medical and toxicological experts for use in preserving food. The FDA has also stated that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics.
Link to FDA statement on parabens in cosmetics: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-para.html
Under European Cosmetic regulations, parabens have been reviewed for safety by the European Commission and are allowed for use as cosmetic preservatives.
Parabens provide clear benefit by effectively protecting the product against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Based on the weight of current scientific evidence, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetic and personal care products containing parabens.
More Information:
Some scientific studies have suggested that butyl and possibly propyl paraben can mimic the effect of the endocrine hormone estrogen when tested at very high concentrations in cell cultures and female mice. This effect is sometimes referred to as endocrine disruption. Some recent studies have claimed that there is a link between paraben exposure, particularly in underarm cosmetics, and breast cancer caused by endocrine disruption. These studies have been largely discredited by the scientific community, particularly by those who study the toxic effects of chemicals on the body. In fact, scientists who study the effects of products on the population (epidemiologists) have found no direct link between underarm products and breast cancer (1).
Many materials found in plants used as food also have an estrogenic effect. These naturally occurring materials are called phytoestrogens and are present in soy and other fruits and vegetables. Some of these phytoestrogens, when tested in the same way as parabens, give similar estrogen-like results. However, parabens have been shown to be 10,000 times weaker than the most potent phytoestrogens and 100,000 times less potent than estradiol, the estrogen produced naturally by the body. Most scientists agree that there is no endocrine- disrupting effect from the use of parabens in cosmetic and personal care products because their action, if any, is so weak.
GREAT SCOTT is the perfect skin cream treatment
for mechanics, gardeners, farmers, loggers, masons, carpenters, construction workers, housewives, mariners, outdoor & sports enthusiasts, food service personnel, janitors, factory workers, doctors, nurses, executives, secretaries or anyone else with hard working hands and feet! Adults, children...everyone uses Great Scott... even animals!
for mechanics, gardeners, farmers, loggers, masons, carpenters, construction workers, housewives, mariners, outdoor & sports enthusiasts, food service personnel, janitors, factory workers, doctors, nurses, executives, secretaries or anyone else with hard working hands and feet! Adults, children...everyone uses Great Scott... even animals!
There are some companies that offer preservative free products, but not many.
Here are the top reasons why more companies aren't making preservative-free cosmetics.
1. Preservative free cosmetics don't last as long
A standard cosmetic can have a shelf life of 1 or even 2 years or more. This is great for those products you have stuffed in your cabinet or bathroom drawers. You can feel confident that if you open them up tomorrow your won't get Tetanus or Gangrene. A preservative-free cosmetic won't last more than a couple of weeks. It'll spoil just about as fast as milk and become dangerous.
2. Because they need to be refrigerated
Unless it is put in some special packaging, preservative free cosmetics need to be refrigerated to keep them safe. You wouldn't eat fish you left out on the counter overnight so you shouldn't use unpreserved cosmetics that haven't been refrigerated either. This refrigeration step is a hug inconvenience for people so manufacturers just don't think people will want to do it. Consumer research has proven them right.
3. Because they can easily get contaminated.
You know how there is the common, good advice that you shouldn't share your cosmetics with anyone? Do you know why? Because each time you use cosmetics, you expose yourself to microbial contamination. Even when there are preservatives in microbes can live in small numbers. Your body is use to your bacteria but other people may not be. Preservative free cosmetics are even more prone to contamination and can pick up any sinister microbe that happens to be floating in the air.
4. Because they are more expensive to make.
It is possible to make preservative free cosmetics. You can use special packaging of make them anhydrous (water-free) Unfortunately, both of these options can double, tripe, or quadruple the cost for manufacturing. And while most people don't mind spending $5.00 on a lip balm, spending $20 for the same thing that is merely preservative free is harder to get them to accept. The other problem is that these cosmetics typically don't work as well. They are more greasy, sticky, and just less appealing.
5. Because natural preservatives don''t work as well
One strategy for creating preservative free cosmetics is to use natural preservatives. Technically the products aren't preservative free but from an advertising and legal standpoint, they are. In the EU there is a list of ingredients that you can use for product preservation. If you don't any of those ingredients, you can call yourself "preservative free" Unfortunately, as this article points out, natural preservatives do not work as well as the standard ones.
6. Because natural preservatives aren't approved
The article also points out the second major problem with natural preservatives. They are too expensive to get approved. A natural preservative manufacturer would to spend millions of dollars on their new ingredient and there is no guarantee it would get on the approved list of preservatives. No company wants to take that chance. Therefore, don't look for natural preservatives anytime soon.
7. Because preserved cosmetics are safe
Probably the most important reason you don't see more preservative free cosmetics is because the preserved products work great and are perfectly safe. True, some of the compounds used to preserve products can be nasty stuff but when used at low enough levels they are harmless. Cosmetic marketers just don't find people willing enough to spend extra money for a benefit that is imperceptible. And if people aren't going to buy the product, cosmetic companies aren't going to make it.