Parabens are preservatives widely used in medicines, cosmetics, and toiletries such as shampoos , lotions, deodorants, scrubs, lipstick, or mascara. Some of the types of parabens are also used in the food, beverage, confectionery creams and cakes.
All kinds of paraben most commonly used by the industry are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutilparabeno, where the main objective is to control the growth of mold, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and to increase the shelf life of the products.
Although the amount of parabens permitted to be used in the products is deemed to be safe by the authorities such as the FDA, a few studies have shown that the use of these compounds can cause problems, such as hives or dermatitis on the skin.
In addition, according to the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, the parabens are considered to be endocrine disruptors, chemicals that can alter the functions of the hormones, which can cause problems in the central nervous system effects, such as infertility, or even certain types of cancer, such as breast, uterus, or prostate.
The potential risks to your health
The use of parabens is still considered safe by public bodies such as the FDA, and the FDA has, however, some of the more recent research has shown that these substances can cause harm to health, such as:
- Cause problems with the skin: for The use of products with parabens in the skin, such as creams, gels, shampoos , or ointments can cause problems such as skin rashes, dermatitis, or bloating in some people;
- To stimulate the endocrine disruption: parabens affect the metabolism of hormones, which can cause the formation of cysts in the ovaries, and infertility in a woman, or even a change in the metabolism of the fat cells, causing them to obesity.
- To promote the development of cancer By mimicking the action of estrogen, parabens and increases the levels of a hormone in the body. This increase in estrogen stimulates the division of cells, leading to the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast, ovary, and uterus (womb).
In men, the parabens may also alter the regulation of the hormones, promoting male infertility and prostate cancer.
Products that contain parabens
A few examples of products that contain parabens, are:
- Shampoos and conditioners;
- The products are applied to the skin, such as deodorant, sunscreen, cream, lotion , or hand soap;
- Cosmetics such as lipstick, mascara, eye shadow or foundation;
- Toothpaste.
In addition, parabens are also found in some foods, such as salad dressings and canned food, and some medications, such as topical creams for hemorrhoids.
How to avoid the use of parabens
To avoid the use of parabens, it is important to pay attention to the label of the product by checking to see if the list of ingredients that contain any of the components.
The other option is to opt for natural products for the formulation of these types of products usually do not contain parabens. All the cosmetic products, the so-called “low-poo” are generally free from many chemicals, being a great option to reduce the use of products with parabens.
However, if it is not possible to fully use all products on the compound, we can replace some of your products from the usual decrease in the concentration of parabens in the body.
