The "concern" began when a 2004 study by Phillipa Darbre of the University of Reading in England suggested that there was a possible link between breast cancer and deoderants/antiperspirants. Her study questioned whether parabens combined with other agents in underarm products, like aluminum salts may have significant effect on diseases like cancer. The study found parabens in 18 of 20 breast tumors, however, there are numerous reasons to question the suggested conclusion. For example, no history was taken of the tumor donors, the study did not state if the tumors were subjected to chemotherapy - which contains parabens, it didn't take into account that tumors commonly metastisize under the arms where the lymph glands are located AND the study didn't check deodorant and antiperspirants formulas for parabens (98% do NOT contain parabens).
Am I saying that there is no concern about using parabens? NO! And here's why: parabens are what is known as Endocrine Disruptors (sustances that act like hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt physiologic function). The estrogenic effect of parabens on the endocrine system manifests in adverse effects on reproductive organs, fetal development, hormone levels, cancers and more. Once parabens penetrate the epidermis (outer layer of skin) they become estrogen metabolites and are no longer estrogenic. (Have I confused you yet? ... Stay with me!) If parabens are ingested or injected into the body they are estrogenic (i.e. Endocrine Disruptor). What I am saying is that the parabens in your cleanser are not harmful when applied to your skin. When that cleanser washes off your skin and gets into the water system is when we are all being exposed to the negative effects of parabens through ingestion of the parabens that are now in our ecosystem.
So why not just ban all manufacturers from using parabens? That would solve the Endocrine Disruptor problem, right? Um, no. Parabens are 1 of over 8,000 Endocrine Disruptors in our environment. By choosing to use products that are paraben-free you are making a contribution to the over-all effort of creating a cleaner, safer environment for us all.
If we don't use parabens to kill potential bacteria, fungus and yeast in our products, then what are manufacturers using? Some ingredients naturally preserve themselves (i.e. AHAs, glycols). After three years of intensive research and testing the laboratory that created the Kimberly Skin Care Line has re-formulated 98% (working towards 100%) of the products with the following six preservatives: methylisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium dehydroacetate and sorbic acid. Some preservatives are know to be formaldehyde releasing (known to be an allergen and irritant). Check to be sure that the following are NOT in your products: imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15.
So many of us are trying to live more consciously in terms of protecting our environment and living longer, healthier lives -- I hope that this information helps to clarify the paraben "issue" for you and makes you a more informed consumer!
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REFERENCES:
Rebecca James Gadberry, Ingredient Review: Parabens, the California Safe Cosmetics Act and Organics, January 2006, Skin Inc. (http://www.yglabs.com/pdfs/10001.pdf).
Salynn Boyles, Antiperspirant: Link to Breast Cancer? February, 2006, WebMDHealth (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/524555).
Dana K. Mirick, Scott Davis, David B.Thomas, Antiperspirant Use and the Risk of Breast Cancer, 2002, Journal of the National Cancer Institute (http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/94/20/1578).
