paraben

Parabens

“Parabens are chemicals that help preserve cosmetics,” says Kirk. “They’re meant to keep you safe by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.”

Parabens are highly common, she continues. They can be found in makeups, moisturizers, shaving products and sunscreens, to name a few. They get absorbed through your skin, and they’re used so often studies estimate around 99 percent of people in the US have parabens in their system.

“The important thing is to use these products as directed and, as with all cosmetics, to read the label,” Kirk explains. Parabens may be listed under a variety of names, typically ending in ‘-paraben,’ such as:

Methyl-paraben

Propyl-paraben

Butyl-paraben

Ethyl-paraben

Have parabens been linked to cancer? There isn’t enough evidence to claim that these chemicals pose a threat to human health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate cosmetic preservatives before they hit the market, and manufacturers themselves usually perform safety testing. However, the FDA does review any studies published on preservatives. If researchers decide a substance is too risky, the FDA will notify the public. So far, parabens haven’t raised FDA concern.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that parabens can have a weak estrogen-like effect. Estrogen is a hormone involved in female reproduction, and high levels of it might play a role in breast and ovarian cancer development.

In rodent studies, paraben exposure was linked to weight gain and ovary changes, among other effects. For male rats, it interfered with the production of sperm and male hormones. Additional lab studies suggest parabens could encourage weight gain, but there isn’t enough evidence to know whether they’d have a real effect 

                              Skin damage with Parabens

                               Skin damage with Parabens

                                Skin damage with Parabens

Skin damage with parabens and sulfates

Use skin product no paraben and sulfates