Paraben Preservatives And Cosmetics - Controversy and Alternatives

by Kristin Adams

Increasing concern for the safety of ingredients in cosmetics has brought some widely used cosmetic preservatives by the family name 'paraben' to center stage. Paraben preservatives are listed under multiple names and are used to preserve the majority of cosmetics on the market today, not only to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi but also to promote the abnormally long shelf-life of products. As with chemically preserved foods, paraben preserved cosmetics ensure that the cosmetic manufacturer can produce the product en masse and take comfort in a multi-year shelf life. Paraben preservatives have recently come into question with new studies that link the daily exposure of paraben preservatives to breast cancer and endocrine-disruption issues.

What Exactly are Paraben Preservatives?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that have been in use since the 1920s as 'broad-band' preservatives (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal) which means that they work within a formula to prevent the growth of multiple possible contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, mold and fungi. They can be found in approximately 75-90 percent of cosmetics such as make-up, lotion, deodorants and shampoos. According to A Consumers Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, water is the only cosmetic ingredient used more frequently than paraben preservatives. (Winter, 2005) Paraben is the family name for the following permutations of the ingredient found on a common product ingredient label:

- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate)

The Paraben Controversy

Linked to Breast Cancer: Though paraben preservatives only account for a very small percentage of a product's actual formula they are quite potent. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004 expressed concern regarding the use of paraben preservatives. In the UK, researchers found traces of it in 19 out of 20 women with breast tumors. (Winter, 2005) Though the studies did not determine if the ingredient was the cause of the breast tumors, it did establish that pervasive use of this synthetic ingredient is biocumulative.

Possible Endocrine Disruptors: Paraben preservatives have also been identified as endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating the body's hormones. Paraben preservatives are believed to mimic the female hormone estrogen when introduced into the body. According to recent research, more than 60 percent of topically applied chemicals via cosmetics, lotions, etc. are absorbed by the skin and dispersed throughout the body by the bloodstream. Once absorbed into the body, paraben preservatives mimic the hormone estrogen and can disrupt the body's normal hormonal balance. In the Archives of Toxicology (2002) , Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan, reported that exposure of newborn male mammals to butylparaben 'adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.'

This artificial provocation and inflation of estrogen in the endocrine system has been linked to breast cancer in some women as well as the abnormal hormonal development of children including the hormonal 'feminization of boys' which may influence the suspected link in decreasing testosterone levels and sperm count in the male reproductive system. It has also been hypothesized to contribute to the early maturation of girls at increasingly younger ages.

Do All Cosmetic Companies Use Paraben Preservatives?

Not all cosmetic companies use paraben preservatives and many are phasing out their use now that enough questions have been raised about their overall long term safety. New cosmetic companies, more focused on offering natural and organic products, have made their 'no paraben' policy a platform issue. This means there are a wide variety of paraben-free products which are mostly now available for purchase in health food stores and on the internet.

With the increasing popularity of the natural and organic body care market more companies are jumping on the proverbial 'natural' band wagon. With this additional commercial interest and the lack of FDA regulation around the word 'natural' one must never rely solely on a company's marketing and advertising claims and always read the ingredient label to confirm that an ingredient is truly not being used in the formula.

Alternative Preservative Systems

There are good reasons why paraben preservatives are the defacto cosmetic preservative. They are cheap and effective. However, safer and more natural alternatives are available. With formulas that contain certain organic (living) ingredients and/or water as an ingredient, a more aggressive non-paraben preservative must be used to ensure the stability of the formula. In general, the next best option is a synthetic preservative called Phenoxyethanol which has a synthetic chemical composition inspired by a natural anti-bacterial/anti-microbial chemical found in the sage plant. It's easier to use a natural preservative in formulas that are basically inert (like most powder mineral cosmetics) or have an oil base and no water (like lipstick or liners). In products such as these, a plant extract or essential oil with anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties such as grapefruit seed extract, grape seed extract or tocopherol (vitamin E) is used as an effective preservative system. In any case, the manufacturer should perform proper stability testing to ensure that the product's preservative system lasts.

Resources for the Risk Adverse

Much research and observation still needs to be done to ultimately determine the true long term safety and consequences of the wide spread use of paraben preservatives as a daily part of our skin regimen and subsequent absorption diet. The current studies questioning paraben preservatives fundamental safety and the current lack of FDA testing or regulation regarding cosmetics establish a good case for avoiding these questionable ingredients all together. An excellent resource to determine the overall safety of almost any personal care product is the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Cosmetic Database. This database culls world-wide collective scientific ingredient and cosmetic studies as well as governmental toxicity databases from around the world (examples US, EU, Japan, Korea) and gives a toxicity ranking based on this collective data. The online interface is easy to work with. One simply types in the name of a product/brand or an ingredient and the database will return all the relevant information about that query and its safety. The EWG's database is a work in progress and is always being refined for further detail and clarity.

Conclusions

More comprehensive studies are needed to conclusively determine the true scope of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to paraben preservatives by way of the cosmetic ingredients we use every day. A serious effort to reassess the safety of these products must be undertaken by a non-biased group of researchers. To date, among the studies that have been done world-wide, paraben preservatives have been linked to breast cancer and have been labelled as a possible endocrine disruptor that might have specific damaging consequences for young children and those with ongoing exposure. Luckily, we have more options than ever before and can take ourselves out of the equation entirely by educating ourselves and opting for products that use different preservative systems and fewer questionable ingredients in general.

Sources and works cited:

Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics Unmasked, Harper Collins, London. Fairley, Josephine, (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London. Winter, Ruth M.S. (2005). A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, Three Rivers Press, NY. Cornell University: Parabens: evidence of estrogenicity and endocrine disruption http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Bibliography/General/bib.parabens.cfm#risk Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 114, Number 12, December 2006 http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/9413/9413.html

Kristin Adams is Founder and President of Afterglow Cosmetics, a line of natural make-up including mineral cosmetics infused with certified organic ingredients. Discover your natural beauty at http://www.afterglowcosmetics.com

Keywords: article, Articles, Beauty Products, cosmetics and skincare, fragrance, Hair Removal, makeup, Perfume, sunscreen, Weblog, Weblogs, Wrinkle Cream

For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.

Cosmetics: Precautions

by Patricia Davis

Could your cosmetics be making you sick?

Caution needs to be used with when deciding whether to use any type of cosmetic, cream, or beauty product on your skin. Most women never think of the possible allergic reactions and aging problems that might occur when using these products on their faces and bodies.

To help alleviate consumers' concerns, many products use the term “hypoallergenic” on their packages. They market these products to you as if there is no need to worry about skin problems just because it is hypoallergenic. The truth is that there is no standardized test or method that can back up a claim like this.

Also be wary of products that state “Dermatologist Approved” or “Allergy Tested.” These marketing labels do not offer any guarantee that your skin will not have adverse reactions from those cosmetics. And of course, the word “natural” is another great way to pull the consumer into a mindset of false safety.

Below are some helpful guidelines for safe cosmetic use:

1. Always wash your hands and face before applying cosmetics.

2. Eye cosmetics should be thrown away after 6 months.

3. Mascara should be thrown away after 3 months.

4. Do not use the open samples of cosmetics when you visit the store. One survey found that almost 6% of these samples were infected with contaminants like fungus.

5. Any makeup that smells funny or has lost its regular consistency should be thrown away.

6. If you discover that you have an eye infection, do not use makeup. Also, throw away all makeup that you used prior the infection as these may be contaminated as well.

Use common sense when it comes to using cosmetics. Throw away old cosmetics. Don’t assume that a product is safe just because the label says it is. And never share cosmetics with another person. These precautions could save you unneccessary aggravation and a potentially serious infection.

Patricia Davis contributes to several web magazines, including http://top-healthy.com/ and http://pesud.com/.

Keywords: article, Articles, Beauty Products, cosmetics and skincare, fragrance, Hair Removal, makeup, Perfume, sunscreen, Weblog, Weblogs, Wrinkle Cream

For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.

Natural Cosmetics: Cleanse Before You Apply

by Sherry Frewerd

If your life is anything like mine, the most frequent natural cosmetic applied to your face is mud. Not just any mud. We are talking natural cosmetics here, so the mud should be at least ‘pure mud’. For me it is pure garden-variety mud, not necessarily intentionally applied as a mud ‘pac’ however, it’s drying and good for my skin capabilities probably reach high-impact.

Nature girls love natural cosmetics. That includes cleansing options!

My herb garden often results in the ultimate mud pack as I dredge the back of my hand across a cheek to wipe away sweat, or push back those stray strands of not-so-blonde-anymore hair. Even more importantly, it provides for the occasional spa treatment I give myself.

Rosemary vinegar is created when I drop fresh rosemary into a few cups of apple cider vinegar and let them chill in the fridge for a few days or longer. This is then applied to a cotton ball and used as a refreshing astringent that doesn’t torment my skin (although I smell delightfully pickled when I’m done). Rinse thoroughly and apply Natural mineral foundation for a soft healthy glow.

A few handfuls of fresh lavender petals dropped into my bath water as it fills with hot water allow me to lay back and enjoy the lightly aromatic room and relax. I often sprays of lavender in lace bags and hang them in my closets to dry while they give my clothing a light scent, in preference to wearing perfume. (Dried, they also make a great tea for sipping during the bath.) Natural cosmetics often appeal to those who wear little or no perfume. Lavender is an awesome solution to eliminate the need for perfumes.

Lemon grass and a tablespoon of olive oil give my hair a nice shining glow after a long day of working in the garden. Add a spoon full of sugar and massage it into skin during a bath for a delightfully wrinkle and blemish free complexion. Whipped with a mixer to form a frothy cream, this mixture can be kept for several weeks in the refrigerator for a ‘ready when you are’ cell sloughing cream. Your skin will be ready for an application of mineral foundation and natural cosmetics with a natural glow emanating from healthy clean skin.

Slices of cucumbers over your eyelids cool the sagging skin, allowing it to tighten and smooth. Soothing as they feel, you really must take them off before opening your eyes. Mineral eye shadows will enhance your already lovely eyes. Just apply and go!

Have a cup of tea! And after your tea has steeped and your bags have cooled, add the tea bag to your eyelids for a relaxing moment of herbal pleasures. Your visions will take hold and bring you through the moment of silence with a new outlook on life and a new spin on reality.

You’ll be ready to apply your natural makeup for a sensational day of Herbal aromas and pleasant events all day long. Mineral makeup lasts all day, so you can look forward to another adventure in your Herbal fantasy land in the evening after your day is done.

Sherry Frewerd publishes websites on various subjects from recipes to mineral makeup to toddler learning. Stop over to http://naturalyoumineralmakeup.com for some helpful and fun natural remedies, tips and product suggestions. Forget the Botox, talk to Mother Nature today!

Keywords: article, Articles, Beauty Products, cosmetics and skincare, fragrance, Hair Removal, makeup, Perfume, sunscreen, Weblog, Weblogs, Wrinkle Cream

For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.

Look Great with the Latest Cosmetics Combining Healing Like Ingredients

by Kamau Austin

Beauty has been a sensitive issue for both men and women since ancient times. There cannot be a better example of this concern than the reports of Cleopatra bathing in a donkey's milk to keep her skin young and glowing. Legends testify that Egyptians and Greeks adopted various beauty treatments that used both natural and chemical ingredients.

The term, 'Cosmocueticals' is being used widely today. But what is the story behind cosmocueticals? Researchers have combined the beneficial aspects of both science and cosmetics. These two diverse and strong fields have come together as one. In the process of developing this new beneficial admixture, they have thrown open the gates to a dynamic new industry.

Science is one of our most powerful fields and the field of cosmetics is a very commercial. They are two of our largest and most powerful fields. Therefore, cosmocuetics, as a field of endeavor, seems to have almost unlimited potential.

Interested to learn more about how this burgeoning new industry can have positive benefits for your life? Spend a few minutes with me exploring this encouraging new field.

You will probably agree that both these fields have distinctive identities. This merger is certainly a promising and prominent one, capable of solving many of our health problems. There is also an allied field of activity that is continuously working toward combining science with cosmetics. This is known as cosmetic chemistry.

Until recently, only medical procedures were recognized as solutions to various health problems. But, with advances in cosmocueticals, you can expect new options and treatments.

Here are some of the products that best explain the concept of cosmocueticals:

There are two groups of chemical ingredients used in preparing cosmetics that are in sync with consumers' needs: (1) vehicle agents and (2) active agents. The vehicle agents aid in preparing cosmetics, while the active agents play an active role and decide the final product's effect on your skin. It is the job of cosmetic chemists to strike the right combination of these agents and prepare cosmetics to satisfy you the customer.

Some agents are found in most of the cosmetics. Water is a good example. But, it is the duty of cosmetic producers to use only safe, distilled, filtered and sterilized water, Due to its ability to flow, water is used in lotions and creams as a spreading agent. It is also a natural choice in moisturizers too.

* Surfactants comprise a product category that performs various functions. Sometimes, they are used in cleansers, body washes, and even shampoos. They perform the role of emulsifiers in creams and lotions. They are also are used as solubilisers to dissolve oils in water-based cosmetics.

* Emulsifiers are another important category of ingredients in cosmetics. Their primary function is to enable water and oil-soluble substances to mix evenly. Uniformity of ingredients is essential in cosmetics so that they spread evenly and serve their purpose. Lecithin is one of the popular emulsifiers.

* Emollients refer to the large molecules of chemicals that collectively prevent water loss from your skin, thereby preventing it from becoming dry and dull. This property of emollients makes them a main ingredient in moisturizers since the purpose of these cosmetics is to make your skin appear soft and smooth. Moisturizers generally include fatty esters which are essential to replace as you age and natural esters are depleted.

These various categories of cosmetics should help you better understand the concept of cosmoceuticals. This new field has developed some products that will help you find effective solutions to problems like dark circles under your eyes, puffiness, wrinkles, and eye strain.

Cosmoceuticals is a new trend in the field of cosmetics. You can find a wide range of products in cosmoceuticals from which you can choose those that will soothe you and heal many of your topical skin problems. This is an ever-growing field and new developments occur every day.

Cosmoceuticals, in the long run, can encourage us to begin to see and realize that nature, helped along by science, can be a good soother and healer. Mere medical procedures cannot be always accurate and effective. The same is of course true of nature, but in combination their potential is limitless.

Nature alone can be unpredictable. Science and nature individually are limited. Individually, their side-effects often can cause more harm than the actual ailment. Together, science and nature can create exciting products.

Accordingly, cosmoceuticals today are helping address unslighty problems associated with natural aging. Products like Lumnaderm(TM) focus on harmless but unsightly age spots, liver spots, and sun spots; while Eyederma(TM) deals with dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles on the skin and under the eyes, in some cases, are an indication of more serious problems and they should be examined by a doctor. However, for the overwhelming majority of people, they are problems that can be addressed with cosmoceuticals like Lumnaderm(TM) and Eyederma(TM).

The well regarded cosmoceutical Eyederma(tm) boasts rich ingredients that targets a nagging problem of many people as they age -- dark circles under their eyes. It is not within the scope of this article to discuss all the reasons people tend to have dark circles under their eyes as they age. However, the Eyederma(tm) product makes our general point. It illustrates how a common problem like dark circles and patches under your eyes can be minimized without expensive surgery.

Imagine the promise of this type of cosmoceutical. A product like this could save you thousands of dollars in hospital costs, lost wages, and recovery time (not to mention risk) if you experience dark circles under your eyes.

Think about it, other options like plastic surgery are more dangerous and costly. The Eyederma(tm) cosmoceutical example certainly seems like a worthwhile consideration and maybe investment for those whose who are concerned about a more vibrant youthful appearance. Both the Lumnaderm(tm) and Eyederma(tm) products are distributed by major retailers and established online stores like Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com (http://www.BODeStore.com).

Cosmoceuticals may be the long-awaited merger of medicine and cosmetics. It has certainly become the buzzword in the cosmetic industry today. For all of you who are concerned with your appearance, cosmoceuticals may just be a timely and welcome merger of science and nature!

Written by the V-Team, courtesy Kamau Austin, publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips about reducing dark cycle around the eyes with Eyedermaat http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

Keywords: article, Articles, Beauty Products, cosmetics and skincare, fragrance, Hair Removal, makeup, Perfume, sunscreen, Weblog, Weblogs, Wrinkle Cream

For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.