Parabens ~ considered to be the most notorious ingredients in the beauty industry. These days cosmetic companies are widely using and marketing the phrase “paraben free products”. But how much do we really know about Parabens? Let me introduce them to you properly and let’s burst some myth bubbles too!

What are Parabens?

Parabens are a group of preservative ingredients that prevent the growth of fungi, bacteria and yeast. They are derived from PHBA – para hydroxybenzoic acid.

There are different types of parabens viz. methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben and benzyl paraben.

These are widely used in cosmetics and food industry as preservatives. Methylparaben and propylparaben are considered safe for preserving food items as well.

Do Parabens occur naturally in nature?

Found not only in nature, but parabens are naturally formed in our body too! Surprised much? Like I mentioned earlier, they are derived from PHBA. The latter are naturally formed in the human body by breakdown of amino acids. They are also present in fruits & vegetables like cucumbers, cherries, carrots, blueberries and onions.

Parabens used in cosmetics are identical to those found in nature. The human body converts them into natural PHBA and eliminates them.

FDA (Food and Drug Asministration) has classified Parabens as GRAS (generally recognised as safe) since 1970.

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) has approved that Parabens are safe upto level of 25%. The amount used in cosmetics is as low as 0.01-0.3%.

Do Parabens cause cancer?

Firstly, let us know how Parabens can be linked to cancer. Parabens can cause cancer by acting like estrogen through a process called endocrine disruption. But there are many things that can cause such effect too, for eg. soy. Such naturally occurring materials are known as Phytoestrogens. However, parabens are 10,000 times weaker than most potent phytoestrogen and 1,00,000 times weaker than estradiol – the estrogen produced naturally by the body.

As per a small study conducted, parabens were found in tissues of human breast tumors. But they were also found in blank samples which didnot contain any tumor tissue. Moreover the fact wasn’t identified whether the parabens present were from an outside source or produced by the body itself.

The European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association COLIPA stated that ‘Parabens are hydrolysed in the skin and we have data to show that none are entering the blood stream’.

The Conclusion : whether Parabens are safe?

The link between parabens and breast cancer hasn’t been fully proved yet. Google it and you’ll find innumerous papers written by scientists stating that parabens are safe. There are just facts and hypothecations which lead vaguely to Parabens as far as cancer is concerned. But are Parabens really unsafe? Prolly, No. But we cannot simply give them a benefit of doubt and consider them safe. If you find an alternative, without Parabens, I’d say go get it. Why risk over something whose threat hasn’t been proved yet but can/cannot be proved in the near future.

If you are willing to hate/abandon something, know the reason before doing. So that, whenever you are asked, you are ready with your answer. Be aware and spread awareness rather than ignorantly following the mass.

Concluding my thoughts. I hope you liked my research and if you did, do consider subscribing to my blog. Show some love by liking, sharing and commenting your views/thoughts. Until next time, stay beautiful & keep smiling!

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