The controversy over the safety of chemical components in various cosmetics or pharmaceuticals stems from the appearance of these products. Ecologists and representatives of medicine speak one mind, while manufacturers speak another. However, there are ingredients that deserve special attention and among them are parabens. It protects the cosmetic from bacteria and fungi, thus increasing the shelf life and significantly reducing the price of the product.
This artificial conservant is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals: creams, toothpastes, shampoos, make-up, baby care and cosmetics. Unfortunately, the label “Kids” on the packaging of cosmetics is not necessarily associated with the child safety. To ensure the safety and naturalness of the product, we must carefully read the composition on the packaging, the original label (and not the Georgian translation).
If the label has the following names: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben – these are all parabens that are easily absorbed into the baby’s skin and act as pseudoestrogens.
A particularly pronounced, estrogen-like action is characteristic of butylparaben and isobutylparaben. Parabens accumulate in the body and upset the hormonal balance, which leads to premature sexual maturation of children, increasing the risk of developing breast cancer. Parabens during pregnancy can cause disorders of the fetal reproductive system.
Until recently, parabens were considered a safe and universal conservant. However, in 2004, English biologist Philip Darby has published the results of a breast cancer study: A large number of parabens were found in 19 samples out of 20. According to scientists, harmful chemical ingredients in cosmetics, in particular modern antiperspirants, penetrate the skin, accumulate in tissues, causing various mutations and pathological processes. This led scientists to consider, that these cases of the disease were provoked by the use of parabens-containing deodorants. This theory is shared by Canadian and French scientists, who focus on the harmful effects of parabens on the hormonal system. Since the parabens are similar in composition to female estrogens, it causes a decrease in spermatogenesis, diseases of the endocrine system and skin, increases the risk of developing ovarian, breast and uterine cancer in women, and testicular cancer in men.
Animal experiments have shown that parabens are toxic and have a cumulative effect. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parabens are found in the blood of 90% of the US population. From December 2010, on the recommendation of the EU Scientific Advisory Board, the content of parabens in cosmetics should be significantly reduced. In 2011, Denmark became the first country to ban the addition of parabens to products envisaged for children under 3 years of age. According to the manufacturers of natural cosmetics, the replacement of parabens is quite possible with the extraction of various plants, which will extend the shelf life of organic cosmetics. Philip Martin’s products are paraben free. It is an organic product, made from 100% natural raw materials, which means that its use is safe for both adults and children as well as pregnant women.
Parabens – a harmful chemicals
