Paraben Dangers in Skin Care Products
Do parabens (preservatives) in skincare and cosmetics cause cancer? I'm not sure, but there have been a number of studies to show they do. Of course, there are still skeptics and a handful of people that say they don't and that the small amounts in their products aren't significant enough to cause any longterm damage. Others, including myself, wonder about the accumulative effects over time with multiple products. Parabens are in almost everything, even products that are touted as safe and natural. For those with a history of cancer in their family, I think extra care and consideration should be given to what we put in and on our bodies.
When our company recently launched a new paraben-free skincare line that uses a new technology utilizing bacteriostatic water to prevent bacteria growth, I thought it might be a good idea to do a little research. Aside from finding information online, what better way to learn about a new product than to use it?
There are seven (7) products total in this interesting assortment of skincare.
1. Cleansing oil
The idea of rubbing oil of any kind on my face to remove makeup seems foreign (and it is!). Many Japanese and Korean cosmetics have a cleansing oil in their line to gentle take off makeup. The texture is very light and not at all like olive oil or even baby oil. It does a fine job of lifting embedded dirt, foundation and eyeliner.
2. Cleansing cream
Included in our pack was a "foaming net" made from corn husk. It's a light and airy little net that does an amazing job of creating well, foam. It made the most luxurious lather which I couldn't seem to do with water and my hands alone. The cream contained fine particles of a special stone that does an excellent job of exfoliating and evening the skintone.
3. Skin lotion
When I think of "lotion", I think of a cream-based liquid, but this is a clear and very light moisturizing toner without any alcohol. It's cooling and moisturizes well without any heavy feeling.
4. Skin serum
Oh this contains vitamin C and a few other key ingredients meant to help with dark spots and improve dull looking, saggy skin. It's supposed to restore elasticity from within. (We'll see...)
5. Skin cream
This is the other product I really liked! It goes on light, but gives that extra moisture without feeling oily or heavy. It comes with a handy little spatula to pull out the perfect amount. I'll use this day and night.
6. Eye cream
I LOVE this stuff!! It's far better than anything else I've tried and really does live up to the hype. It's only been a few days and I've noticed significant different in a reduction of puffiness and definitely lightening of the dark circles.
7. Aftershave milk (for men or women to use as body lotion)
Haven't done this just yet, so stay tuned...
These products were developed and are currently only available in Japan. We are importing these products into the states until they're launched in the U.S., which is around a year or so from now. If you are interested in ordering them, please let me know. We can usually have them delivered directly to you via air shipping.
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References and more information can be found at http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org
Research into the role that parabens and phthalates may play in the development of breast cancer is limited, but the following citations refer to selected articles indicating cause for concern.
Parabens
Beckley-Kartey SA, Hotchkiss SA, and Capel M, "Comparative in vitro skin absorption and metabolism of coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) in human, rat and mouse," Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Jul 1997: 145(1): 34-42.
Byford, J. R., Shaw, L. E., Drew, M. G., Pope, G. S., Sauer, M. J., and Darbre, P. D. “Oestrognic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells,” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2002: 80, 49-60.
Darbre, P. D., Aljarrah, A., Miller, W. R., Coldham, N. G., Sauer, M. J., and Pope, G. S., “Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumors,” Journal of Applied Toxicology, Jan 2004: (24): 5-13.
Darbre PD, Byford JR, Shaw LE, Horton RA, Pope GS, and Sauer MJ, "Oestrogenic activity of isobutylparaben in vitro and in vivo," Journal of Applied Toxicology, Jul-Aug 2002; 22(4): 219-26.
Darbre PD, Byford JR, Shaw LE, Hall S, Coldham NG, Pope GS, and Sauer MJ, "Oestrogenic activity of benzylparaben," Journal of Applied Toxicology, Jan-Feb 2003; 23(1): 43-51.
Ema M, Kurosaka R, Amano H, Ogawa Y. “Comparative developmental toxicity of n-butyl benzyl phthalate and di-n-butyl phthalate in rats.” Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1995; 28:223-228.
Ema M, Miyawaki E, Kawashima K. “Further evaluation of developmental toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate following administration during late pregnancy in rats.” Toxicol Lett, 1998; 87-93.
Harvey, PW, Darbre PD, Endocrine disruptors and human health: Could oestrogenic chemicals in body care cosmetics adversely affect breast cancer incidence in women? A review of evidence and call for further research. Journal of Applied Toxicology, Jan 2004: (24): 167-176.
Kang, “Decreased sperm number and motile activity on the F1 offspring maternally exposed to butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid (butyl parabens),” Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, March 2002; 64(3): 227-35.
National Research Council, “Hormonally Active Agents in the Environment,” NRC Report, Washington DC, National Academy Press (1999).
Oishi, S. “Effects of butyl paraben on the male reproductive system in mice.” Archives of Toxicology 2002: 76, 423-429.
Oishi, S. “Effects of propyl paraben on the male reproductive system.” Food and Chemical Toxicology 2002: 40, 1807-1813.
Okubo T, Yokoyama Y, Kano K, and Kano I, "ER-dependent estrogenic activity of parabens assessed by proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and expression of ER alpha and PR," Food Chemistry Toxicology, Dec 2001; 39(12): 1225-32.
Pedersen KL et al., "The preservatives ethyl-, propyl- and butylparaben are Oestrogenic in an in Vivo Fish Assay," Pharmacology Toxicology, March 2000.
Routledge EJ et al., "Some alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (parabens) are estrogenic," Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 1998; 153: 12-19.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, 10th Report on Carcinogens, 2002; pp. 116-19.
Yourick JJ and Bronaugh RL, "Percutaneous absorption and metabolism of courmarin in human and rat skin," Journal of Applied Toxicology, May-Jun 1997; 17(3): 153-8.
Phthalates
Blount BC, Silva MJ, Caudill SP, Needham LL, Pirkle JL, Sampson EJ, Lucier GW, Jackson RJ, and Brock JW, "Levels of seven urinary phthalate metabolites in a human reference population," Environmental Health Perspectives, 2000; 108(10):979-82.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Study Demonstrates Exposure of People to Phthalates" (2000).
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r2k0901.htm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.” (2003).
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/2nd/
Colon I, Caro D, Bourdony CJ, Rosario O. "Identification of phthalate esters in the serum of young Puerto Rican girls with premature breast development," Environmental Health Perspectives, 2000; 108(9):895-900.
Duty SM, Silva MJ, Barr DB, Brock JW, Ryan L, Chen Z, Herrick RF, Christiani DC, Hauser R. “Phthalate exposure and human semen parameters.” Epidemiology, 2003 May;14(3):269-77.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Phthalates and cosmetic products. Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet.” April 2001. Available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-phth.html
Gray LE et al., "Administration of potentially antiandrogenic pesticides (porcymidone, linuron, iprodione, chlozolinate, p,p’-DDE, and ketoconazole) and toxic substances (dibutyl- and diethylhexyl phthalate, PCB 169, and ethane dimethane sulphonate) during sexual differentiation produces diverse profiles of reproductive malformations in the male rat," Toxicology and Industrial Health, 1999; 15:94-118.
Herman-Giddens ME, Slora EJ, Wasserman RC, Bourdony CJ, Bhapkar MV, Koch GG, Hasemeier CM. "Secondary sexual characteristics and menses in young girls seen in office practice: a study from the Pediatric Research in Office Settings network," Pediatrics, 1997; 99:505-512.
Houlihan J and Wiles R. "Beauty Secrets. Does a Common Chemical in Nail Polish Pose Risks to Human Health?" Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC (November 2000).
Kohn MC, Parham F, Masten SA, Portier CJ, Shelby MD, Brock JW, Needham LL, "Human Exposure Estimates for Phthalates," Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2000, 108(10).
Mylchreest E, Cattley RC, Foster PM. “Male reproductive tract malformations in rats following gestational and lactational exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate: An antiandrogenic mechanism?” Toxicol Sci 1998; 43:47-60.
Mylchreest E, Sar M, Cattley RC, Foster PMD. “Disruption of androgen-regulated male reproductive development by di(n-butyl) phthalate during late gestation in rats is different from flutamide.” Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1999; 156:81-95.
Mylchreest E, Wallace DG, Cattley RC, Foster P. “Dose-dependent alternations in androgen-regulated male reproductive development in rats exposed to di(n-butyl) phthalate during late gestation.” Toxicol Sci 2000.
Our Stolen Future, "About Phthalates," available online.
Rudel RA, Brody JG, Spengler JD, Vallarino J, Geno PW, Sun G, and Yau A, "Methods to detect selected potential mammary carcinogens and endocrine disruptors in commercial and residential air and dust samples," Journal of Air and Waste Management Association, 2001; 51(4): 499-513.
Rudel, RA, Camann DE, Spengler JD, Korn LR, Brody JG, “Phthalates, alkylphenols, pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds in indoor air and dust”, Environmental Science & Technology, 2003; 37(20): 4543-4553.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Integrated Risk Information System. Dibutyl phthalate, CASRN 84-74-2. October 1990. Available online at http://www.epa.gov/iriswebp/iris/index.html.
Wine R, Li LH, Barnes LH, Gulati DK, Chapin RE. “Reproductive toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate in a continuous breeding protocol in Sprague-Dawley rats.” Environ Health Perspect 1997; 105:102-107.
