Recently there has been an outrageous amount of contempt, fear, hatred, and confusion surrounding the common preservatives found in cosmetics, better known as parabens.
We personally, have had clients refuse and return certain items after learning they contained such parabens.
Their fear?
Cancer.
Although this controversy did stem from scientific research, the facts, the bigger picture, and more importantly the weight it bears on the cosmetic industry are of utmost importance.
So please, allow me to clarify.
So please, allow me to clarify.
According to futurederm,
"Controversy over parabens began largely in the late 1990's, due to the suggestions that parabens bind to estrogen receptors in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and rat uteri {after oral administration of parabens}. It was also suggested that parabens upregulate estrogenic gene expression in human breast cancer cells, yeast cells, and in in vivo fish. Studies with immature mice and rats showed that subjection to parabens decreased uterine weight. It was finally suggested that parabens increased breast cancer cell proliferation, and parabens were found in breast tumor samples... With regards to the parabens found in breast tumors, it sounds scary, but it is reassuring to know that no studies have shown that parabens are found in higher concentration in breast tumor samples than any other type of human body tissue."
They continue,
"In 2007, a French study reopened speculation against parabens when it suggested that parabens may accumulate in tissues over time. In the study, a realistic amount (0.45 mg) of parabens was applied to the skin's surface every 12 hours for 36 hours. It was found that repeated applications every 12 hours increased quantities of parabens moving across the skin barrier for the first 24 hours. However, the results also showed that parabens applied to the skin had no cumulative effect 36 hours later, suggesting that parabens do not accumulate in the skin at all after one and a half days. As such, parabens in skin care products do not accumulate in tissues after 36 hours, and thereby should not pose a risk for the lifetime skin care product user."
In this month's DaySpa Magazine, they highlighted this exact issue, saying,
"You and your clients can stop worrying- lipstick is safe. Parabens, which are commonly used in cosmetics as a preservative, are unlikely to pose a health risk, according to a study presented at the Scandanavian Society of Cosmetic Chemists in Sweden. Consumer groups have expressed concerns in the past that parabens may affect the body's reproductive and hormonal systems. However, the study's data suggest that they're fully metabolized before they enter the bloodstream, and that they're only partially absorbed when applied to the skin. Tests did indicate the presence of a broken-down paraben in the body called PHBA, but that compound is also widely found in plants and food. Trace exposure is not believed to pose a risk to humans. The study was performed at the request of Sweden's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety."
So now we can all rest easy and keep on using our favorite products.
