Though we’ve entered a hopeful new decade, there are still skin care manufacturers who put inappropriate ingredients in their products, like parabens.
Consider:
Parabens are used at very low levels as preservatives (typically 0.01-0.3%) in a wide variety of personal care products, including hair care, skin care, and shaving products. Frequently, more than one paraben may be used in a single product.
There is little information on levels of parabens in people; more information is needed. However, studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did find methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben in human urine samples, indicating exposure despite the very low levels in products. In whole body application studies in people, Danish researchers have found that butylparaben can be absorbed through the skin.
The parabens listed below are weak environmental estrogens. They also can support the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells grown in tissue culture.
Names to look for:
- Butylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
Tell us what you think!
