Parabens are a group of chemicals used as a preservative in cosmetics, personal care products and even some foods products. This ingredient is intended to increase shelf life and prevent mold and/or bacteria growth over time. Seems innocent right? Not so much. The concern with parabens is how they can negatively affect human health, yet it’s not banned by the FDA.
Scientific studies suggest that parabens act or mimic the hormone, estrogen. When parabens are consumed or absorbed through the body, it disrupts the endocrine system and alters natural hormones in the body. This classifies parabens as endocrine disrupting chemicals. When the endocrine system is functioning normally, it works with other organ systems to regulate human body development and function to its full ability. According to the Endocrine Society, endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been “linked to numerous adverse human health outcomes including alterations in sperm quality and fertility, abnormalities in sex organs, endometriosis, early puberty, altered nervous system function, immune function, certain cancers, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth, neurological and learning disabilities, and more.” Women especially should be cautious with parabens, as scientists are concerned with a strong link between breast cancer and exposure to parabens.
The FDA claims that their scientists are continuing to review published studies on the safety of parabens, yet at this time they don’t have any information on how they actually effect human health. It’s also important to note that due to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, any cosmetic product and ingredients can be put on market without the approval of the FDA.
You’ll find that there’s a lot of controversy as far as what is considered “safe” or that the effects of certain ingredients are “unknown” as of now. This is true regarding parabens. Until the FDA claims they have solid evidence to support that parabens are dangerous, they will remain in our products and our food.
Personally, if an ingredient is a known endocrine disruptor but the “effects are still unknown”, I want nothing to do with it. Why not just avoid it? Parabens do not have to be in a product in order to make it function well. There’s so many options out there that do not contain parabens that are just as high quality. The human body is meant to thrive as it was intended to, without disruptions that diminish and disease it. I encourage you to take a look at the ingredients on the back of your cosmetic and personal care products. Do they contain parabens? Look for any ingredient ending in paraben, most begin with methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-, etc. If they do in fact contain parabens, what will you do about it?
Follow The 80/20 Rule!
I’m a firm believer in the 80/20 rule when it comes to your health.
80% of the time, make healthy choices. 20% of the time, it’s okay to relax a bit.
Not everything has to be perfect! All you have to do is try your best and intentionally make choices that make sense for your life. Try to use the most safe and healthy products to your knowledge.
It’s never too late to make changes and try out something new!
I’m here to help and support you. Let’s create a healthy, less toxic community and take our power back!
References:
(2022, January 24). Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Endocrine Society. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/edcs
Parabens. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/parabens/
(2022, February 25). Parabens in Cosmetics. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics
Stoiber, T. (2019, April 09). What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmentics? Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens
Shkolnik, N. (2022, July 13). Do Parabens Affect Breast Cancer Cells In Women? Napoli Shkolnik PLLC. https://www.napolilaw.com/article/do-parabens-affect-breast-cancer-cells-in-women/