PARABENS
Parabens are used as preservatives
in many of our everyday cosmetic products[4]. They can be found in
deoderant, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, makeup etc. Some of the most
commonly used parabens are called methylparaben, propylparaben and
butylparaben.
 |
| [5][6][7][8][9][10] |
Parabens
can be fully absorbed through the skin and from the digestive system[2].
They will not cause any
irritation to normal skin but may cause swelling of the skin to people who may
be allergic[2]. The on-set of an allergic reaction may also occur if
ingested[2]. Parabens have not been confirmed to cause
cancer, mutations in DNA or cause harm to a developing embryo[2].
Places where parabens
have been found are, in treated and untreated urban area waste water, as well
as in our rivers and drinking water supplies[3]. They can also be
found in agricultural soil most likely from fertilization and water treatment
of the plants/crops[3]. Surprisingly, parabens can even be found in
everyday house dust[3]. Parabens can be produced by various
fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, carrots, olives and strawberries[3].
Through many chemical processes, they
can be artificially manufactured in a lab as well[3].
Parabens are used
frequently because of their many advantages[1]. They are relatively
safe to use, do not cost a lot to produce, and most importantly, do not change the
texture or color of a product[1]. For these reasons, it is difficult
to find a preservative that will be a good replacement for parabens[1].
Parabens have caused
major controversy over the years due to its speculations in being involved in
the development of breast cancer in females and cause non-functional sperm in
males[3]. Although, further research studies are required
to confirm if parabens actually play a role in these health risks or not[3].
References
[1] Błędzka,
D., Gromadzińska, J., & Wąsowicz, W. (2014). Parabens. From environmental
studies to human health. Environment International, 67,
27-42. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from ScienceDirect.
[2] Canadian
Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2007). MethylParaben. Retrieved on
November 25, 2014 from Hazardous Substances Data Bank
[3] Kirchhof,
M., & De Gannes, G. (2013, January 1). The Health Controversies of
Parabens. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/780590_8
[4]
Parabens. (2006). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved November
26, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ucm128042.htm
Images
[5] Frugal
Coupon Living. (2012). Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner [Image].
Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/2012/07/13/garnier-fructis-shampoo-or-conditioner-99-at-target-with-coupon-stack/
[6] Grocery
Coupons. (2014). Cheap Secret deodorant at target [Image]. Retrieved November
27, 2014, from http://whatsyourdeal.com/grocery-coupons/cheap-secret-outlast-at-target-hurry-and-print/
[7] Healthy
Child, Healthy World. (2009 ). Chemical [Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2014,
fromhttp://healthychild.org/lead-found-in-lipstick-parabens-in-perfume-what-is-your-teen-wearing/
[8]
Maybelline New York. (2014). MASCARA [Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from
http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara.aspx
[9] Mistrys.
(n.d.) Vaseline Essential Moisture Cocoa Radiant Rich Feeling Lotion 200ml
[Image]. Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://www.mistrys.co.uk/vaseline-cocoa-butter-deep-conditioning-body-lotion-200ml.html
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