This article was voted the best in “Beauty and Style” in 2010.

We know many of you YDT readers  know a thing or two about Parabens, but hey a refresher course never hurt anyone.

Meet the villains: Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Where they lurk: makeup, shampoo, body wash, moisturizers, shave gels, sunblock and toothpaste.

What are parabens?

Commercial parabens are man-made synthetics widely used as chemical preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and extend the shelf life of any product. They also are very cheap to produce. In Portuguese it means “best wishes” or “congratulations.” (Definition courtesy of the FDA & CDC)

A brief history…

In the 1950s several cases of blindness occurred after people used spoiled lotions on their face due to lack of preservatives. When news spread, our government required new laws to preserve personal care products. From that point on all body products must carry preservatives to prevent fungal and bacterial growth. With these newly developed parabens, shelf-life went from a few weeks to two years!

When parabens are absorbed through the skin, they don’t metabolize. For instance, blueberries contain methylparaben, but since blueberries travel through the body’s digestive system, we break it down. Commercial parabens however, do not metabolize in our bodies when applied to the skin. Scientific data is inconclusive as to how parabens behave once entered into our bloodstream.

What scientific data does say is this:

1. High levels of intact parabens have been detected in breast tumors (Darbre, Journal of Applied Toxicoloy). The estors found in parabens mimic our own estrogen hormones, and some estrogens drive the growth of tumors. Would you chance it? Personally, I love my breasts too much!

2. Methylparaben on the skin has been shown to react with UVB sun rays to cause increased pre-mature aging and DNA damage (Japan, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine). Not good if the product containing methylparaben is a sunscreen. Save your skin!

Natural preservatives?

Absolutely. Organic and green cosmetic companies have found natural alternatives to preserve our favorite products. Mother nature always has a way! Vitamin E contains natural antioxidants which extend the shelf life of a product. Many essential oils act as natural preservatives in higher concentrations (Rosemary Oil Extract, Honeysuckle Extract).

What’s the scariest?

The unknown. We just don’t know the long-term build up of parabens in our bodies. Cancer? Increase in Estrogen? Pre-mature aging? Skin sensitivities? Why put these chemicals on the largest living, breathing sponge we own? That’s why I hope you’ll join me in this call to action: just say no to parabens!

If you feel called to take it a step further, join me to ask Congress to get behind the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. This is the first act of its kind in 70 years! Click the link to get started.
Photos courtesy of The Story of Cosmetics