Jenn Hoffman from The Apprentice took time out to interview Dr. Abdullah, formulator and founder of Lexli, on parabens and why they are not harmful to your health at the 2009 Think Pink Emmy Awards Style Lounge.

Here’s some more truth behind the parabens controversy from Dr. Abdullah himself:

Paraben Overview: Parabens are the most commonly utilized preservatives in the cosmetic industry. Naturally derived and organic, they have been effectively used for more than 50 years in not only cosmetics, but food products, as well.

Despite their positive track record, parabens came under attack after a 2004 study suggested that paraben-like substances are found in breast cancer tissue. The study, which demonstrated no causation of breast cancer by parabens and did not show them to be harmful in any way, has since been widely quoted by a range of organizations to build a case against them. In essence, negative paraben messaging has become the cornerstone of marketing campaigns by companies who do not use parabens to attack their competitors who do.

Where are parabens found?
Parabens are used to preserve spices, tea, beer, canned fruit, juice, jelly/jam and wine. In fact, plants such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, carrots, cucumbers and olives actually produce parabens to protect themselves from bacterial attacks.

How does the body digest parabens?
Parabens are absorbed in human intestines, digested and excreted in the urine.

Are there any studies that show parabens as being harmful to human health?
There have been no studies that demonstrate a health risk from parabens when used in the amounts found in cosmetic and food products.

So how, then, do we know parabens are safe?
There have been numerous conclusive studies to back-up the safety of using parabens in cosmetic and skin care products.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) in 2005 re-opened the safety assessment for parabens and found, after much study and evaluation, that parabens are indeed safe and effective preservatives, as originally believed. With that, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel offered a statement of full support for the use of parabens as preservatives in skin care and cosmetic products. Following the CIR’s actions, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement on parabens to set the record straight and clear the preservatives of their undeserved accusations. In 2008, a comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Toxicology further concluded that parabens pose no adverse risks when used in the concentrations found in products.
Given consumer concern, isn’t it just easier to use a different preservative?
Evidence has continuously proven the safety and effectiveness of parabens. Therefore, since it is impossible to produce a preservative-free skin care product and because the safety of our products is our paramount concern, Lexli has chosen to continue using parabens in its products. We believe it is far better to continue using a proven, safe and effective preservative than a newer one that has been less tested and whose long-term side effects are generally unknown.

Print | posted on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 12:00 AM