Removing the Paraben Stigma:
The Truth about Commonly Used Preservatives
Ahmed Abdullah, MD FACS
It has been said that if you repeat a lie often enough it can become a fact; this is the case with
the belief that parabens cause cancer. Parabens are the most common preservatives in the cosmetic industry. Naturally derived and organic,
they have been effectively used for more than 50 years in cosmetics as well as many food products.
In fact, many plants such as blackberries, blueberries, carrots and cucumbers actually produce parabens
to protect themselves from bacterial attacks.
The Darbre Study
In the past five years, there has been growing consumer fear of products that use
parabens due to a 2004 study by PD Darbre, a researcher in the U.K. The study suggested that
paraben-like substances are found in breast cancer tissue, yet it demonstrated no causation of
breast cancer by parabens and did not show them to be harmful in any way Additionally,
the study left several questions unanswered, such as, what are the possible
paraben levels in normal tissue?
Despite this, the Darbre study has been widely quoted by a range of organizations
to build a case against parabens. 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. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer
Products, who in 2005 reviewed the scientific data involved in the Darbre study, concluded
“there is no evidence of a demonstrable
risk for the development of breast cancer caused by the use of underarm cosmetics.”
Setting the Record Straight
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) also re-opened the safety assessment for parabens
in 2005 and found that parabens are indeed safe and effective preservatives as
originally believed. Additionally, the CIR Expert Panel offered a statement of full
support for the use of parabens aspreservatives in skincare and cosmetic products.
In 2006, 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.
“FDA believes that at the present time there is no reason for
consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens. However,
the agency will continue to evaluate new data in this area. If FDA determines
that a health hazard exists, the agency will advise the industry and the public,
and will consider its legal options under the authority of
the FD&C Act in protecting the health and welfare of consumers.”
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.
The Safest Choice
Regardless of the conclusive data that clears parabens of the “cancer causing”
charges, misinformed consumers and often ill-intentioned corporations continue to spread
falsehoods about parabens. Until there is any conclusive evidence pointing to the
risks of using parabens, it is unwise to utilize newer, synthetic or untested
preservatives in their place, as many companies now do. Preservatives are essential
to the shelf life of products,
and parabens remain the safest preservative available and among the most studied.
FAQ
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Where are parabens found? |
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A | |
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.
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How does the body digest parabens? |
A |
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Parabens are absorbed in
human intestines, digested and excreted in the urine.
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Are there any studies that show parabens as being harmful to human health?
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There have been NO studies that demonstrate a health
risk from parabens when used in the amounts found in cosmetic and food products.
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So how, then, do we know parabens are safe? |
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There have been numerous conclusive
studies to back up the safety of using parabens in cosmetic and skincare products.
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Q | |
Given consumer concern, isn’t it just easier to use a different preservative?
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A | |
Evidence has continuously
proven the safety and effectiveness of parabens. Therefore, since it is impossible to produce a preservative-free skincare 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.
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