You have probably heard of parabens before. Parabens are usually used as antimicrobials in cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and even food (yuck). Parabens are usually absorbed through the skin and through the GI tract and blood system. The problem with parabens is that they mimic estrogen, so they can bind themselves to estrogen receptors by pretending they're the real deal. They can alter the expression of some of your genes, and change your hormone regulation (like by pretending to be estrogen), these kinds of weird bodily shifts create all sorts of dangerous developments, like the creation of breast tumour cells.
At this point, scientific studies have shown that different types of parabens have been found in almost all biopsy samples of breast tumours. The ones found were almost always those used in cosmetics. The downside is that parabens are so common in our products today, almost all commercial make-up, lotions, hair products, etc. that you use probably contain them… just check the ingredient lists on the back of your products!
So what do you do? Make sure you start by checking out the ingredient lists of your products, reading labels isn't just for food anymore. Don't be fooled by products with green or "eco" labels because they're just as likely to contain harmful chemicals, so do check. The safest products are obviously those that are clearly listed as paraben-free or that are certified organic. Here are some of my favourites:
- FarmHouse Fresh -- The whole line is Paraben AND Sulfate free, and the majority of the line is Vegan and Gluten-Free. What more could you ask for? Oh right, it's beautifully delicious scents and whimsical packaging. It's a treat to use these products. Check them out here: http://www.smellypatch.com/category-s/47.htm
- Principessa Beauty -- 100% Paraben Free and 100% Feminine. This line is so pink and so pretty AND based in Vancouver, Canada. Check them out here: http://www.smellypatch.com/category-s/33.htm
What are some of your favourite paraben-free products?
