by Katri Marson

Created on: November 13, 2008

If you are the average consumer, that doesn't search out skin care products from natural health companies, there is a chance you may not be aware of the parabens lurking in your skin care products or the dangers they may cause.

Parabens are found in a wide range of products from food to cosmetics. They are used for their anti-microbial properties, as a way to preserve the products. Studies done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that parabens have an estrogenic effect in the body, which disrupt the endocrine system. Due to this it is also believed that parabens play a role in rising breast cancer rates. Breast cancer tumor biopsy samples have been found to have high concentrations of parabens. Even with this information the FDA does not feel parabens are a cause for concern, at this present time. Possibly the key part of that sentence being 'at this present time.'

In a demographically diverse study, where urine samples were taken from U.S. adults, parabens were found in almost all of the adults tested. Parabens are absorbed through the skin, from the use of lotions, shampoos, soaps and many other consumer products. It is hard to believe, but anything that comes in contact with your skin can end up in your bloodstream, without consuming it. Some example you may have heard of are nicotine or birth control patches and warnings on prescription drugs warning pregnant women not to even handle the drug.

It is true that most products need some form of preservative, to match the lifestyle we live now. There are many natural alternatives, in addition to different bottling methods, that can be used by companies, to replace parabens. Some examples include grapefruit seed extract, tea tree and vitamins A, C and E. All have been tested as safe and effective options. The problem? Parabens are the cheap option. Unless companies are required to stop using them or unless consumer demand changes the cheaper, more profit making, option will prevail.

There are many types of parabens. By law, in the U.S., companies are required to list their ingredients, with the exception of fragrances and trade secret compounds. So, you should be able to find out if your favorite product contains parabens by reading the label. The most commonly used forms in skin care products are methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, isoparaben, and butylparaben.

It is not very likely you will find many mainstream skin care products without parabens. Companies, such as, Revlon, L'Oreal, Avon, Oil of Olay and Estee Lauder, too name a few, continue to use parabens in their products. Most companies who build their products around the idea of natural, like Jason Natural, Kiss My Face and Aubrey Organics, are the best types of companies to find paraben-free product. To find companies who have pledged to keep their products safe try The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

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