Meet The Parabens

May 12, 2008 | Written by: Connie Brooks

Paraben Free Products2What are Parabens?

Para-hydroxybenzoates (Parabens) are groups of chemicals that are used as preservatives in nearly all cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, and sunscreens. They are used because they can prolong the shelf life of a product for up to 20 years.

Many baby products include Parabens as preservatives:

Some of the Johnson and Johnson shampoos and lotions, Desitin diaper ointment and even Huggies baby wipes list them as ingredients. (and all are trademarked by their respective owners!)

How to spot a Paraben:

Parabens are usually found near the bottom of the ingredient list. The specific names you are looking for include:
Paraben Free Products1

  • methylparaben
  • ethylparaben
  • propylparaben
  • isobutylparaben
  • butylparaben
  • benzylparaben

    • These are the six most commonly used Parabens. However, anything with the suffix “paraben” is going to be a part of the chemical family.

    What does the research say?

    Quite a few studies have found that parabens fall into a category called Xenoestrogens - chemicals that mimic and increase the estrogen in your body. The FDA has admitted that increased estrogen in the body can contribute to breast cancer.

    Case study:

    In 2004 the Journal of Applied Toxicology published a study that found Parabens in 18 of 20 tumors removed from breast cancer patients.

    In fact, Xenoestrogens have been implicated in everything from testicular cancer and decreased sperm counts in men to reproductive problems in women.

    How can I help my family avoid Parabens in products?
    Paraben Free Products3
    The easiest way to avoid Parabens is simply to start reading labels. Be aware though, that these chemicals are hiding in nearly everything you use.

    If it’s too expensive to junk every personal hygiene product in your house, consider simply replacing them with a paraben-free option when you run out.

    From experience, I have found that Aveeno baby wash does not have parabens. As far as baby wipes, we opted for Pampers Cruisers “Swipers” because they were also paraben free. (We had been using Huggies Natural Care)

    There is no reason to run out and spend a ton of money on top of the line organic products, just read the labels carefully right there in the store. In most cases the paraben free options like Aveeno are sitting right next to the regular options.

    Last time I shopped I bought Wal-mart’s off brand baby wash because it was paraben free, and $4 less. Walmart also has BPA free “Parent’s Choice” baby bottles, so apparently they are not only cheap, but informed as well.

    References:

  • The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics - This is an amazing website dedicated to improving the safety standards for the products we use every day.
  • Treehuggers - Women’s Personal Care Guide. It gives a short explanation of different chemicals to avoid.
  • Care2 Networks- Parabens: Easy Greening

    • What do you think?


    What do you think?
    Are you a label sleuth? What are your favorite paraben-free products? Scroll down to give us your opinion!





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      Written by Connie Brooks | Filed Under Current News and Events, Family Safety, Paraben Free Bath and Beauty Products, The Campaign for Safe Baby Products 

      Comments

      3 Responses to “Meet The Parabens”

      1. caitminNo Gravatar on June 16th, 2008 6:13 pm

        Well written thoughful piece. Like the title too

        Some say that parabens are safe (FDA) others that its bad - bottom line, why take risks with your family’s skin.

        Here is a link to a site that lets you compare well known brands to see if they contain potential eczema triggers from irritant ingredients like parabens. http://www.exederm.com

        Exederm make ultra hypoallergenic skin care products for adults and kids with eczema or dermatitis

        The products are color-free, fragrance-free, parabens-free, sls-free, lanolin-free and formaldehyde-free

        There’s also lots of useful tips and advice on dealing with eczema.

        There is information on parabens on the site too, although not quite as comprehensive as here

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          • BionsenNo Gravatar on June 25th, 2008 5:38 am

            It’s great that you have provided such detailed information about the Parabens issue.

            We (Bionsen) have set up a site that hopes to debate this issue in depth.

            The site has just gone live : http://www.bodyhealthdeabate.co.uk

            We would really appreciate your opinion on our site.

            We are also planning to create an in-depth “Paraben” research article in the future and with your agreement we would like to reference your blog.

            Anyway keep up the good work and if you need anything from me, please just shoot me an email.

            Thanks
            Danny
            [bodyhealthdebate.co.uk]

            Let's Talk!