topic Re: Parabens are really safe? in Beauty

Parabens are really safe?

Glitter Fairy — Wed, 14 May 2014 00:09:54 GMT

I read this on Paulas Choice and I hope its true!!!!! There are so many products I have been avoiding due to parabens and they work a lot better than ones without them.

<h2>Should You Avoid Parabens?</h2>

In a word, no. Despite the media frenzy surrounding parabens, the published research and global cosmetic regulatory organizations are making that answer clear: parabens, especially in the small amounts used in personal-care products, do not pose a significant health risk. There is no legitimate reason for consumers to avoid cosmetic products that contain parabens. According to these studies, parabens are "fully metabolized before they enter the blood stream." In a review of the estrogenic activity of parabens, the author concluded that based on maximum daily exposure estimates, "it was impossible that parabens could increase the risk associated with exposure to estrogenic chemicals." We repeat: Impossible.

Parabens may come in the form of butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, or propylparaben, and in a misunderstanding of a 2004 research study, they were mistakenly linked to breast cancer when their metabolites (not parabens themselves) were detected in breast cancer tissue samples.

But not so fast! Soon after the panic over parabens began, the researcher who conducted the 2004 study (P. Darbre) responded in Journal of Applied Toxicology to the media-drawn connection between parabens and cancer with a clear statement, “No claim was made that the presence of parabens had caused the breast cancers.” In fact, as the considerable global research has exhaustively demonstrated, parabens are broken down, metabolized and excreted harmlessly by the body. That statement refutes the crux of the scare tactics being used to convince you parabens are bad ingredients.

Another cause for suspicion? Parabens are phytoestrogens, producing a weak estrogenic effect on the body, but whenever the effect of an ingredient is evaluated perspective is critical. That is, how do tiny levels of parabens in skin care stack up against other phytoestrogens that occur naturally in food or the estrogenic effects of commonly consumed medicines? In-vivo testing demonstrated parabens were 10,000 times weaker than naturally occurring phytoestrogens, such as those found in the foods and medicines we consume every day.

<h2>Parabens vs. Other Natural Ingredients</h2>

We often think of plants as being benign and cast suspicion only on synthetic ingredients (often misbranded as "chemicals" when in fact every ingredient is composed of chemicals), but human endocrine-disrupting sources have their origin in plants, such as marijuana, or in medicines such as acetaminophen. Despite what many "natural/organic" brands lead consumers to believe, parabens actually have a very "natural" origin. They are formed from an acid (p-hydroxy-benzoic acid) found in raspberries and blackberries. What's ironic is that "natural" brands often have to resort to using more synthetic preservatives to avoid using parabens—a direct contradiction to their own marketing!

The fact is that "natural" doesn't inherently mean safe and "chemical" doesn't mean dangerous. What really matters is the research. A study conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston investigated the estrogenic effects of licorice root, black cohosh, dong quai, and ginseng. The results showed that "Dong quai and ginseng both significantly induced the growth of MCF-7 [cancer] cells." Another study concluded that "Commercially available products containing soy, red clover, and herbal combinations induced an increase in the MCF-7 [breast cancer] proliferation rates, indicating an estrogen-antagonistic activity...". Despite this evidence, when was the last time you read a media report or received a forwarded e-mail about the breast cancer risk from soy, licorice or ginseng? In contrast, you've likely seen media reports or emails regarding parabens and their link to estrogenic activity.

<h2>International Safety Assessments of Parabens</h2>

Wondering what the U.S. and global science community has found on this issue? Here are studies weighing in on the established safety record of parabens in skin- care products:

The American Cancer Society has concluded, based on its research findings, that the scientific and medical research does not support a claim that the use of parabens in cosmetics can increase an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer.
The FDA began studying the effects of parabens in response to the outcry of their potential estrogenic effect and link to breast cancer. The FDA found that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics, and it also says that, based on the weight of all the current scientific evidence, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of products containing parabens.
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Final Opinion on Parabens, which is the official statement by the European Union on the unequivocal safety of parabens in skin care, cosmetics and personal care products. This summary of decades of long-term and short-term safety data reinforced the EUs previous decision that parabens are safe in personal care products.
Health Canada, the Canadian FDA-equivalent, also finds that, "Currently, there is no evidence to suggest a causal link between parabens and breast cancer."
The Personal Care Products Council, a US organization that reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in an open, unbiased and expert manner, consolidated more than 265 studies in The Journal of Toxicology that noted a women’s daily cosmetic regimen using products that contain parabens caused no adverse reproductive effects and confirmed the safety of parabens.

Other research has even refuted the long-held belief that parabens are among the more sensitizing preservatives in cosmetics, stating that "...these ubiquitous compounds have withstood four decades of extensive skin testing conducted by a variety of organizations, both North American and European, and now, it seems parabens have shown to be one of the least sensitizing preservatives in commercial use."

Toxicology Letters reported in December 2013 that in references to parabens causing health issues "Overall, despite of 20 years of research a human health risk from exposure to low concentrations of exogenous chemical substances with weak hormone-like activities remains an unproven and unlikely hypothesis."

<h2>Bottom Line</h2>

Ironically, parabens are naturally occurring chemicals. It's ironic because many natural skin-care brands claim ingredients like parabens are dangerous, when in fact parabens have exhaustive safety data AND are naturally produced by vegetables and fruits. Foods such as soy, beans, flax, cherries, blueberries, carrots, and cucumbers produce parabens and other chemicals that mimic estrogen—to a much greater degree than the miniscule amounts of parabens used in skin care, hair care, and makeup.

Despite this fact, when was the last time you read a media report or received a forwarded e-mail about the breast cancer risk from cucumbers, beans or berries? In contrast, you've likely seen media reports or emails regarding parabens and their link to estrogenic activity. The truth is that on a global scale, there is an exhaustive degree of scientific and medical studies demonstrating the safety of parabens used in skin care and cosmetics. So the next time you read a story that vaguely indicates parabens are unsafe, think twice before you believe the hype and remember the facts--the tiny levels used in your personal care products are not harmful. .

Re: Parabens are really safe?

Wildapple — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:13:15 GMT

Yes, it's true.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

myshell624 — Wed, 14 May 2014 03:45:47 GMT

What is scary to me is that some companies claiming to have paraben free products are using preservatives like DMDM HYDANTOIN which releases formaldehyde. I agree with what Paula has on her site. Manuela from Isomers wrote about the misconception some have about parabens. She says that most of her products do not contain them due to customer concern, not because they have been proven to be harmful. She also feels that parabens are a good, safe preservatives.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

suzyQ3 — Wed, 14 May 2014 03:55:29 GMT

On 5/13/2014 myshell624 said:
What is scary to me is that some companies claiming to have paraben free products are using preservatives like DMDM HYDANTOIN which releases formaldehyde. I agree with what Paula has on her site. Manuela from Isomers wrote about the misconception some have about parabens. She says that most of her products do not contain them due to customer concern, not because they have been proven to be harmful. She also feels that parabens are a good, safe preservatives.

I would bet that that's the case for many companies, even those that then exploit that decision by fear-mongering. I respect her honesty.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

Shelbelle — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:08:38 GMT

Both Manuela and Linda Marshall agree that parabens are safe to use in skin care. I also am against the use of DMDM Hydantoin, and SSC, Wei East etc, and Dove products use it. It is also in the Clear line of hair products, Unilever uses it all the time.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

tototwo — Wed, 14 May 2014 16:35:27 GMT

And, ladies, I've said it before: I need all the preservatives I can get!

Re: Parabens are really safe?

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 14 May 2014 16:44:35 GMT

On 5/13/2014 suzyQ3 said:
On 5/13/2014 myshell624 said:
What is scary to me is that some companies claiming to have paraben free products are using preservatives like DMDM HYDANTOIN which releases formaldehyde. I agree with what Paula has on her site. Manuela from Isomers wrote about the misconception some have about parabens. She says that most of her products do not contain them due to customer concern, not because they have been proven to be harmful. She also feels that parabens are a good, safe preservatives.

I would bet that that's the case for many companies, even those that then exploit that decision by fear-mongering. I respect her honesty.

I agree. If something is paraben-free, great, but I feel no need to search out paraben-free items and don't actively avoid parabens.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

Icegoddess — Wed, 14 May 2014 16:50:38 GMT

I don't avoid parabens and am more concerned about some of the alternative preservatives being used. However, the companies are only looking at $$ and the general public have become afraid of parabens. It's a bunch of hype.

It's rather like Jimmy Kimmel's show last night (which was a rerun) where they went out and asked all these people that were on gluten free diets what gluten was. While most thought it had something to do with flour, they had no idea exactly what it was. One person said "It makes you fat."

Re: Parabens are really safe?

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:09:28 GMT

On 5/14/2014 Icegoddess said:
I don't avoid parabens and am more concerned about some of the alternative preservatives being used. However, the companies are only looking at $$ and the general public have become afraid of parabens. It's a bunch of hype.

It's rather like Jimmy Kimmel's show last night (which was a rerun) where they went out and asked all these people that were on gluten free diets what gluten was. While most thought it had something to do with flour, they had no idea exactly what it was. One person said "It makes you fat."

I LOVED that Jimmy Kimmel segment. (Here's a link to it.) I think that's the case with so many things. People hear something is bad and act accordingly without doing any research or looking at the evidence. I have a friend who posted something about developing a cat allergy in the last few months and someone replied that she doesn't remember anyone having cat allergies until recently and tried to link it to GMO foods. My mom and two of her siblings have been allergic to cats and dogs since they were children (they're all in their late 60s and 70s now) and my dad (75) developed an allergy to cats when he was a teenager. People have a small about of information and come to conclusions without the facts and then, either intentionally or unintentionally, turn to fear mongering as they warn all their friends with their misinformation.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

suzyQ3 — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:10:43 GMT

On 5/14/2014 Icegoddess said:
I don't avoid parabens and am more concerned about some of the alternative preservatives being used. However, the companies are only looking at $$ and the general public have become afraid of parabens. It's a bunch of hype.

It's rather like Jimmy Kimmel's show last night (which was a rerun) where they went out and asked all these people that were on gluten free diets what gluten was. While most thought it had something to do with flour, they had no idea exactly what it was. One person said "It makes you fat."

That would actually be funny if it weren't so scary. It speaks to a disturbing lack of interest in and knowledge of facts and science. Even more disturbing is how easy it becomes, then, to exploit these people.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:19:00 GMT

On 5/14/2014 suzyQ3 said:
On 5/14/2014 Icegoddess said:
I don't avoid parabens and am more concerned about some of the alternative preservatives being used. However, the companies are only looking at $$ and the general public have become afraid of parabens. It's a bunch of hype.

It's rather like Jimmy Kimmel's show last night (which was a rerun) where they went out and asked all these people that were on gluten free diets what gluten was. While most thought it had something to do with flour, they had no idea exactly what it was. One person said "It makes you fat."

That would actually be funny if it weren't so scary. It speaks to a disturbing lack of interest in and knowledge of facts and science. Even more disturbing is how easy it becomes, then, to exploit these people.

Absolutely!

Re: Parabens are really safe?

Irshgrl31201 — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:31:45 GMT

On 5/14/2014 ChynnaBlue said:
On 5/14/2014 Icegoddess said:
I don't avoid parabens and am more concerned about some of the alternative preservatives being used. However, the companies are only looking at $$ and the general public have become afraid of parabens. It's a bunch of hype.

It's rather like Jimmy Kimmel's show last night (which was a rerun) where they went out and asked all these people that were on gluten free diets what gluten was. While most thought it had something to do with flour, they had no idea exactly what it was. One person said "It makes you fat."

I LOVED that Jimmy Kimmel segment. (Here's a link to it.) I think that's the case with so many things. People hear something is bad and act accordingly without doing any research or looking at the evidence. I have a friend who posted something about developing a cat allergy in the last few months and someone replied that she doesn't remember anyone having cat allergies until recently and tried to link it to GMO foods. My mom and two of her siblings have been allergic to cats and dogs since they were children (they're all in their late 60s and 70s now) and my dad (75) developed an allergy to cats when he was a teenager. People have a small about of information and come to conclusions without the facts and then, either intentionally or unintentionally, turn to fear mongering as they warn all their friends with their misinformation.

ITA and I haven't come across one single person who eats gluten free that even really knew what gluten was. I find that so sad that people will completely avoid something yet are totally ignorant as to why they are avoiding it. They hear a little news blip and completely run with it. About 1% of the population has an allergy to gluten yet we have millions of people avoiding gluten and they have no clue why. They think gluten can make you gain weight and I have one acquaintance who has been on a gluten free diet who has actually gained weight. It was much like the video above when I asked her what gluten was, she had no clue. I just do not understand how people will completely remove something from their diet yet have no idea why they are dong it.

Parabens get the same kind of bad rap as gluten does. I know people who avoid them like the plague yet when I ask why they are avoiding them, they really can't tell me why they are avoiding them.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

Happy Elizabeth — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:38:51 GMT

I prefer not to have parabens in products, just in case, but I don't think there's much evidence that they are the evil ingredient that they've been made out to be. As someone else mentioned, I'm more concerned with some other preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone, which is worse than any paraben (IMO).

Re: Parabens are really safe?

RainyDayGal — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:45:59 GMT

I prefer my products not get moldy, so I'm ok with them.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

suzyQ3 — Wed, 14 May 2014 20:45:25 GMT

On 5/14/2014 Happy Elizabeth said:
I prefer not to have parabens in products, just in case, but I don't think there's much evidence that they are the evil ingredient that they've been made out to be. As someone else mentioned, I'm more concerned with some other preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone, which is worse than any paraben (IMO).

I really do so understand that emotion, Happy Elizabeth. I can sometimes be susceptible.

But usually the "just in case" has to have some more validity to it. It's too easy these days for something to become demonized, especially given the circular nature of the Internet.

Someone can plant a seed of fear about something using non-credible sources or even no source at all, another person reads it, and pretty soon, it becomes a half-truth and something that we should avoid "just in case" because we read such-and-such online.

I recall that Lyn in Michigan posted some credible info about parabens that was very interesting. Maybe she'll weigh in.

Re: Parabens are really safe?

myshell624 — Wed, 14 May 2014 22:22:33 GMT

On 5/14/2014 Happy Elizabeth said:
I prefer not to have parabens in products, just in case, but I don't think there's much evidence that they are the evil ingredient that they've been made out to be. As someone else mentioned, I'm more concerned with some other preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone, which is worse than any paraben (IMO).

I avoid Methylisothiazolinone too.