Dr. Mercola September 25 2007 63,118 views
Many consumers have long known their favorite lotions and sunscreens contained parabens, or synthetic chemicals used as preservatives. But with more and more products being touted as “paraben-free," many are now wondering, "What, exactly, are parabens, and are they dangerous?"
Parabens, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds, have been used in personal-care products like shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and sunscreens for years, allowing these products to survive for months, or years, during shipping and on store shelves.
Studies have now shown that parabens mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen, which is associated with certain forms of breast cancer.
Organic Consumers Association September 4, 2007
Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. The only ingredient used more frequently is water. You can find them in:
But, did you know they are also present in many prepared foods, like mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressings, and candy?
You can identify them on the label, where they may be listed as:
Studies have shown that parabens can affect your body much like estrogens, which can lead to diminished muscle mass, extra fat storage, and male gynecomastia (breast growth). Other studies have also linked parabens to breast cancer, as researchers found traces of parabens in every sample of tissue taken from 20 different breast tumors.
The EPA has linked methyl parabens in particular to metabolic, developmental, hormonal, and neurological disorders, as well as various cancers.
Would it surprise you to find out that more than a third of personal care products contain ingredients linked to cancer?
Cancer rates continue to rise, yet of the nearly 4,000,000 synthetic chemicals in your environment, less than one percent of these are known well enough to be able to ascertain their safety. This is a major concern. For example, the Environmental Working Group found that only 28 common cosmetics and toiletries out of 7,500 had all of their ingredients fully tested for safety.
It's important to recognize that whatever you put on your skin is readily absorbed into your bloodstream where it can potentially cause some serious damage to your body. If you want to learn more about the potential toxicity of your cosmetics, I urge you to review the EWG's extensive "Skin Deep Report."
To keep yourself safe, switch over to natural cleaning products and natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants, and cosmetics.
Some suggestions for healthier, natural alternatives include:
Beware, however, that there are no federal certifications or official guidelines for beauty products, so anyone can claim their product is natural or organic. Some "organic" beauty products actually contain only a single-digit percentage of organic ingredients!
Truly organic personal care products do not contain preservatives, however they may contain natural antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients like grapefruit seed extract, or antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), which come with all the benefits of a preservative, but none of the dangerous side effects.
There is no question that the beauty products you use on a daily basis can harm you, and the adverse effects of toxins are compounded over decades, so choose wisely, and read the labels.
Another oil that is excellent for use in cooking or on skin is Malaysian red palm oil (originating from the fruit, not the kernel). It is heat stable because half the fatty acids are saturated and does not disintegrate like other vegetable oils when heated. It is very high in a variety of carotonoids as well as tocopherols and tocotrienols (which is cancer protective). The red colour is also an added advantage when cooking!
ITA on the coconut oil. More generally, I use olive oil and follow this process for my face (and a similar one for arms and legs):
www.rebuild-from-depression.com/.../natural_facial_cleanser_olive.html
You rub the oil in while showering and then wipe off so you don't run around smelling like an Italian dinner.
Amanda
Has anyone tried Dr Bronners peppermint liquid soap? It rates as a 0 on skin deep site and can be used for about anything?? I am new to the chemical free lifestyle and I have been using this.
Dragonflies -
I tried Dr. Bonners soaps. I preferred the almond scent but also used the peppermint, tea tree, & unscented. I still have a little left. I found that in using it to shower, my skin got itchy. When i tried to use it to do dishes or cleaning, it left spots. Maybe it is just me, & my chemistry, & that i don't know how to clean well, but Dr. Bonners didn't work that well for me. For household cleaning, i use mostly vinegar, water, baking soda with a little of Ecco dishwashing soap. Oh, i had some asorbic acid - vitamin c - powder i left it in the car on a hot day by accident & as it is quite sensitive to heat, i wasn't sure if it was still good. So i've been using it for a scouring powder when i do dishes. I like it alot, but not enough to purchase it for that purpose routinely!
Does anyone know of any pure natural products that are good for people with rosacea or redness in the face? I cannot find a product that will not irritate my face. I do not think I have rosacea but my face has the redness and if I use certain products it makes it worse. So I thought maybe a product that is good for people with rosacea or one that can reduce the inflammation but does not have all kinds of other junk in it that will make it turn very red when applied. I have tried several natural products also with no luck.
kare4u you should try the soaps at the following website. They helped my skin condition. My hands were peeling and almost raw before I started using their natural selects products. They have everything. Shampoos, soaps, laundry detergent, and other cleaners that are all natural. ultraincomebuilder.com/integrity.uibmc1 I would send you directly to their site but the prices are much higher if you purchase directly. If you sign up through this site you will save over 50%.
Are there hackers here? It looked from the replies like Islander had made an intelligent post with useful advice, rather than the "Harrass, humiliate, etc." comment that appears now.
Pat, I am confused as well. What is this, "Abuse, harass, etc..." thing? I have seen it before. Can someone explain?
Pat & Magnolia -
This is part of the rules of Mercola site. It isn't a complete quote. There was a misunderstanding about a post Islander made, she was teasing someone. She was banned from the site. Any thread she started was replaced by the quote from the rules they felt she broke.
I've started using organic products as gifts. I just gave my mum a nice combo of certifed organic cleanser, conditioner and moisturiser for her birthday last week.
Most people are easily fooled by the 'natural' and 'organic' products out there. A friend of our also gave my mum a present of a nice 'natural' olive oil soap. A quick look at the ingredient list it showed it was far from natural.
When I asked mum why she hadn't used the products I gave her yet, her response was she was finishing off what she had already. I just said 'throw it in the bin!'
I've just bought several 'travel packs' from a range I found yesterday who are totally chemical free (their website lists about 30 chemicals they won't use, including all the parabens, sulfates, PEG, TEA, etc etc), Ren... a lot of companies do this and they're generally a lot cheaper than buying single products - split them up and you've got a bunch of wee presents for the price of one bigger single!! Perfect!! Mine are being sent next week (gotta get in early for other-side-of-the-world shipping you see).
Patty D, I could not agree with you more about being healthy on a fixed income. There are no discounts for a 34 year old someone who is on dissability/ food stamps. I do the best I can stagering major puchases, major is any amount on low income I know. Every two months supplements, then one month personal care. Giant food market has some brands for less than the whole food store in my area. After having a brain hemmorage, I walk with a imp.
This also left me with a seizure disorder, left sided weekness, and a diagnosis of M.S. The steroids and other "life saving medications/measues" put a load on my thyroid and reaked havoc on the reast of my body So after 3 1/2 years of being home my hopes of going back to work are not good. Following this web site as well as
Curezone.com, my health is better than most in my situation. It angers me to have to make the choice between natural alternatives and basic shelter costs. For those who say health is a choice, they have never had to choose between lights on or a meal / pain reduction or the water bill. In the end the stress is not good for my health. If I could go back to work I would.