Parabens.
Also known as methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben on the label of various everyday products for cleaning our homes, and also, most concerningly, hair, body and skincare products. They are a group of strong synthetic preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, and extend product shelf life. You will find them in many big brands of cleaning and personal care products.
Big brands justify their use because of the relatively small amount used in individual products. However, on average, we come into contact with 9 to 15 products daily. What really matters is the cumulative impact of this over the months, years and decades of our lives.
Why are they so bad? Our skin is an organ. Whatever we put on it can be absorbed. The same goes for toxins circulating in the air, we can absorb them via our lungs. Parabens enter our blood stream and travel throughout our body, even crossing the blood brain barrier. Research shows they mimic oestrogen in the body and disrupt hormonal balance, and are now linked to a whole host of problems; a rise in hormonal cancers, early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men and fertility issues. Shockingly, they have also been detected in umbilical cord blood.
The problem with parabens do not stop there. Found in waterways, they can disrupt the hormonal function of marine life and disrupt whole ecosystems.
Opt for products that clearly state they are paraben-free. You can also find more natural alternatives to parabens on product labels such as...
- Vitamin E, aka Tocopherol (an antioxidant that helps prevent oils going rancid)
- Sodium Benzoate
- Potassium sorbate
- Citric acid
With natural alternatives available, the use of parabens are totally unnecessary! Big brands use them because they are cheap and effective. They will stick with tried and tested formulas unless consumer demand forces reformulation. Vote with your wallet and opt for brands that do not knowingly use ingredients that are harmful to health. We fully research the brands we stock to ensure they are free from harmful toxins so are perfect for the whole family.