WHAT ARE PARABENS?

Parabens are commonly used preservatives that have been used since the 1950s to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in cosmetics, food and drugs. Studies show that they are present in about 85% of cosmetics today, since they are a cheap and effective way to increase shelf life. Have a quick look through your beauty cabinet and you’ll be sure to find them in your shampoo, lotions, shower gels, lipsticks, scrubs, deodorants and many other products. Spotting them is fairly easy, just check the ingredient list for any term that ends in “paraben”: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, and Isobutylparaben are just a few. Parabens can also be listed as alkyl parahydroxy benzoates, so be sure to check your labels for that ingredient as well!

 

SO WHAT’S ALL THE FUZZ ABOUT?

Although they have been used for almost 70 years now, technology advances mean scientists have only recently started to question their safety. Parabens are easily absorbed through the skin, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a widespread existence of parabens in the human body. These are a few reasons why you don’t want them to get into your system:

 

• POTENTIAL ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS. The EPA link some parabens to cancer, developmental and hormonal issues. Why? Studies have shown that parabens have the ability to mimic the hormone estrogen and that parabens actually attach themselves to estrogen receptors, thereby directly interfering with estrogen production. High levels of estrogen are linked to breast cancer, as they can stimulate breast cell division and tumor growth. What’s even more worrisome is that traces of these chemicals have been found in breast cancer tumors. The fact that parabens are mimicking estrogen also means that they could potentially lead to accelerated puberty in girls.

 

• BUILD UP IN YOUR SYSTEM. When building up in your system, parabens create an excess of free radicals, which are extremely hard for your body to manage and can lead to serious health issues ranging from hormonal imbalances to mental health issues.

 

• HARM THE ENVIRONMENT. As soon as these toxins are washed down the drain, they end up in surface and groundwater, where they accumulate over the years, harming ecosystems and the environment. As potential endocrine disruptors, parabens not only pose a health risk for you, but also for aquatic life, leading to reproductive and behavioral disorders as well as lowered immune system functionality in fish. Translation? You may not only be putting toxic chemicals on your body, but the fish you eat might be poisoned as well.

 

• LINKED TO THE IRRITATION OF SKIN CONDITIONS. For those suffering from skin conditions such as dermatitis or rosacea, parabens can be especially irritating and cause allergic reactions in small children. In case of pre-existing allergies, parabens can also contribute to a number of skin conditions such as dermatitis.

 

• NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. Independent studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that parabens can negatively impact the immune system, and increase allergies.

 

• THEY MAY CAUSE LOW SPERM COUNT AND TESTICULAR CANCER. Parabens were found in the urine and blood of males after using products containing parabens.

 

 

So far, governments have been slow to prohibit parabens alongside numerous other dangerous chemicals. While most products may contain limited amounts of parabens within safe limits set by the FDA, cumulative exposure to these chemicals resulting from the use of several different beauty and personal care products could be overloading your body and lead to serious health issues. That’s why many health advocates are demanding a paraben-ban, similar to the one implemented in the European Union in 2012. However, considering the possible consequences of parabens exposure, instead of waiting for their government to take action, most health-conscious consumers prefer to take matters into their own hands by carefully reading product labels. After all, who wants to risk something so serious, right?!

 

Luckily, paraben-free shampoos like ViTA are a perfect alternative for those looking to avoid the risk, while still experiencing the same softness and shine. In fact, paraben- and sulfate-free shampoos are actually a great way to improve the natural strength and elasticity of your hair! 97% natural and free of harmful parabens, SLS and all of EWG’s ingredients of concern, ViTA’s shampoo is completely safe for daily use and will help you achieve optimum results, especially if combined with ViTA’s paraben- and sulfate-free conditioner. Your health and the Planet’s health are ViTA’s top priority – so start ditching the toxins and experience high-quality botanical formulas powered by nature here.