Parabens have been apparent within our cosmetics for almost one-hundred years, present in about eighty-five percent of cosmetics. Whether a woman wears makeup or not, the vast majority of women have daily routines where products are applied to the surface of their body and face. In these products, a number of toxic chemicals can be found. Parabens are chemicals that function to prevent bacteria and mould growing in products, however recent studies show they may be the cause of serious illnesses by mimicking the hormone estrogen. They are found in thousands of cosmetic products under the names: methyl-paraben, ethyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, butyl-paraben and isobutyl-paraben. In 2004, a study by Philppa Darbre was published indicating that parabens may take part in the growth of breast cancer. Although there’s limited evidence that parabens cause the tumours, scientific understanding of parabens has been questioned and lead to numerous discussions with science researchers and cosmetic companies. Additionally, the public became aware of the toxicity of these chemicals; and a number of people began using paraben-free products.
Parabens are small crystal-like substances in which are colourless, odourless, and tasteless. They are soluble in substances such as alcohol, glycerin, ether and propylene glycol and almost insoluble in water. Parabens are also lipophilic; meaning they are soluble in fats, oils and lipids. This factor allows for the parabens to enter our bodies, where they act to mimic one of our hormones, estrogen. Estrogen functions to develop and maintain secondary sexual characteristics such as; breasts, our reproductive system, the regulation of the menstrual cycle, as well as pubic and armpit hair. Estrogen is a ‘chemical messenger’ that tells our bodies tissues to do certain things. Parabens penetrate the skin through cosmetic usage and enter the body mimicking estrogen at a very weak level; potentially activating the growth hormone receptors relative to breast cancer, as stated by breastcancer.org While parabens are able to be absorbed through our skin, their structure shows similar values to estrogen, allowing for the chemical to bind to the estrogen receptors.
Due to parabens similar structure to estrogen, (refer to figures 1 and 2), the paraben is often able to bind to estrogen receptors to activate the hormonal reaction. Thus, the body’s natural balance is thrown off. While parabens may activate the estrogen receptor, it may also act as an inhibitor to the receptor, if the paraben binds and does not react. This inhibitor-complex reaction will also result in implications to the body’s natural balance of estrogen. Consequently, the chemicals are stimulating changes to how the body naturally controls estrogen within the body, which may result in health hazards such as breast cancer.
Global discussions indicate that parabens may be the cause of breast cancer through all the products they appear in; shampoos, foundation, mascara, body scrubs etc. Although parabens appear in little amounts through these products, people use them multiple times, daily. Thus, our toxic portions are significantly increased through our regular usage. Though there is no explicit evidence that parabens may be causing breast cancers, there are a number of labs trialling this accusation. Websites and organisations such as Style Caster, Scientific American, Safe Cosmetics, CIR- Safety, Web MD, Medical News Today, and many more are releasing articles with information to the public as to whether these chemical products should continue to be used as a preservative in cosmetics. In addition to the concerns of breast cancer, The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) released a report on parabens in cosmetics that showed possible effects on the reproductive system also. Additionally, in 2008 EWG released information about four chemical components found in our cosmetic products discussing in detail their potential health hazards. All of these websites are contributing to the concerns of the public.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) state “…Of greatest concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity…”. Researchers have discovered that estrogen levels higher than normal levels can instigate breast cell division, and the development of tumours. In contrast, Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden (top-ranked dermatologist in New York City), has discussed with her clients ‘so far there’s no scientific evidence to support any link with any form of cancer’ Although studies have shown parabens present in tumours, this does not indicate that parabens are what caused the tumours.
Reports released by these organizations raise awareness to the public, hence the recent production of paraben free products. These products appear to be more expensive, however the public can be put at ease with the option of paraben free products. Where the issue lies, is for those who are not aware of the potential health risks they put themselves under every time they purchase and use a bottle of product containing parabens. In contradiction to this, parabens are highly needed in these products to keep them bacteria-free and prevent them from becoming moldy. Without the use of parabens, products become significantly more expensive as companies need to find other natural resources that sustain the shelf-life of these cosmetics. A number of organizations have jumped on-board in creating paraben free products for those whom seek reassurance of their health.
While doctors and researchers are still discussing whether parabens should be removed from all cosmetics or not, cosmetic industries are beginning to take on board the issue themselves by creating paraben-free products. Concerns have been raised as parabens have been found present in tumors, indicating their ability to mimic estrogen may in fact cause cancer; however, this has not been proved. High-end dermatologists such as Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden, and cosmetic chemists such as Arthur Rich, PhD., both agree that parabens have a long history of safe usage, however these apprehensions have resulted in customer concerns. A number of experiments have been conducted through organizations such as CIR-Safety, finding parabens present in tumors; yet not finding whether the parabens initiate the tumors. Until further evidence is found, dermatologists and cosmetic researchers cannot fully limit the usage of parabens in cosmetics, though can recommend concerned clients to use paraben-free products.