Negative effects of Parabens

Parabens are the most widely used preservative in personal care products. They are added to cosmetics in order to prevent fungus and bacteria growing in the products.

There have been many studies and hours of research put into Parabens and they all point to the negative effects on personal health. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer as Parabens mimic the hormone estrogens and research has found that levels of estrogens have been found in breast cancer tumours.

Negative effects on the health of males have also been uncovered through the research. Declining levels of sperm counts have been attributed to the use of Parabens in cosmetic products. High Paraben levels in males have also been linked to increased body fat, lower muscle mass and gynecomastia, which is the development of breasts in males. This has also pointed to the increase in cases of breast cancer in males.

Researchers have made links with the possibility of Parabens making the skin look older and diminishing the tone.

These additives are cheap and were said to be stable which is the principle reason for manufacturers using them in their products. Parabens can be found in shampoos, moisturisers, shaving gel and toothpaste. The majority of Parabens used in the industry are manmade and not natural forming products.

Labels stating that products do not contain Parabens are increasingly being used on cosmetics as people are choosing to avoid them as these preservatives remain in the body once absorbed.