It's hard to pass up on the latest beauty trends and products, but if we take the time to read the list of ingredients on the back, we could be saving our skin from harmful chemicals. One of the most concerning chemicals is Paraben, which is found in many beauty products to extend their shelf life. However, it can have detrimental effects on skin health and, further yet, overall health. So be sure to get informed about the components found in your beauty products to make sure you aren't exposing yourself to unnecessary risks. Doing a little research can go a long way and be a great asset to your beauty routine!

Are you actively trying to improve your skincare routine? If so, one of the best pieces of advice you can follow is to stop using Parabens. For years, the beauty industry has depended on Parabens to increase the longevity of products, such as shampoos, cleansers, and moisturizers. But after reading this article you should seriously consider saying goodbye to them for good.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are a type of preservative commonly used in a variety of products such as cosmetics, personal hygiene items, food, and medicine. They are incredibly efficient in eliminating the growth of fungi and bacteria and therefore effectively extend the shelf life of a product. This makes them a fantastic ingredient for any type of product that needs to remain fresh for a long period. 

According to the American Chemical Society, they are incredibly common ingredients found in a large majority (85%) of health, beauty, and personal care products. When looking at the ingredients, parabens might be listed as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, or isobutyl parabens. Unfortunately, we must inform you that parabens may also be a bane to your skin and your body. It's upsetting, we know, especially since it seemed like these small additives could be a saving grace. However, excess use of parabens has harmful effects and should be avoided when possible.

Additionally, parabens are also very cost-effective, making them a popular choice for product manufacturers. For the consumer, this means you can purchase products that stay good longer and offer tremendous value for your money. But at what cost?

Effects Of Parabens On Your Health

Breast cancer:

Studies have indicated a potential link between the use of parabens and the risk of developing breast cancer. Parabens have been found to disrupt the mechanisms of normal breast cells, potentially leading to abnormal growth and increasing the likelihood of cancer.

In 2004, a key study conducted by British scientist Philippa Darbre opened people's eyes up to the potential dangers of parabens in our everyday lives. Her research found traces of 5 different parabens in 19 of 20 breast cancer tumors. This helped to demonstrate that parabens can enter our bodies through the skin and fuel the growth of existing cancer cells. Her findings cast a dark shadow over these widely-used preservatives, calling into question the safety of products containing them. While further research is needed to confirm the initial study's results, it's important to be aware of the potential risks that come with using products containing parabens.

Reproductive health:

Parabens have been studied and found to mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting regular hormone system functioning. This can have an effect on reproductive health, fertility, and the development of a healthy baby when pregnant. It's important that we are aware of these risks so that we can be proactive and make sure we are making safe, healthy choices.

Long-term disruptions to the endocrine system can cause adult-onset acne, male breast growth, developmental and neurological disorders, and even various types of cancers. What's more, studies have suggested that parabens can also alter thyroid hormone levels and cause harm to the body. It's essential to be aware of the risks of endocrine disruption and take steps to protect your health.

Increases Allergies:

Parabens can cause an imbalance in our skin's pH level, making it more likely that our skin won't be able to fight against germs and other infections, leading to a greater possibility of allergies. So while parabens might be a seemingly harmless ingredient, they can be doing more harm than good - it's best to be wary of them when picking out your skin care products!

Environmental Impact of Parabens:

Parabens are a chemical compound commonly used in personal care products and cosmetics, but what impact do they have on the environment? Studies have found that even low levels of butylparaben can harm coral, with lab tests clearly demonstrating a negative effect (Danaovaro, 2008). 

Parabens have also been discovered in surface waters, as well as in fish and sediment samples (Haman, 2015). When parabens come into contact with chlorinated tap water, various chlorinated paraben byproducts are created (Canosa, 2006). Unfortunately, the toxicity of these byproducts is often unknown, and they may be far more difficult to break down than the original parabens themselves (Haman, 2015).

What To Look At On A Product Label?

When reading a product label to determine what ingredients you're putting on your skin, it's important to know what to look out for. Parabens are some of the most commonly used preservatives in the beauty industry, so it's a good idea to check whether they're present in your skincare products. If a product is labeled as being paraben-free, you'll see "Paraben-free" or "Free from Parabens" on the label. 

Some of the most popular parabens on the market are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. The best way to ensure that you're using safe skincare products is to take the time to read the labels.

To Conclude

Consumers are increasingly aware of the potential health risks linked to certain ingredients in skincare and beauty products, such as parabens. This has prompted suppliers to turn away from traditional preservation methods and develop alternatives that are just as effective but don't contain parabens. As a result, the number of conventional products containing parabens is going down, thanks in part to consumer pressure and some people's complete avoidance of the ingredient.