Paraben is a common preservative found in many products is health and beauty, moisturizing shampoo, and even some toothpaste. It is very effective as a preservative and is inexpensive to use, which explains why many cosmetics companies use as an ingredient.

You can usually tell if a product you currently use contain parabens, and that will be contained in the chemical name, somewhere in the list of ingredients including Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, and so on.

Why the controversy?

A study has recently shown that paraben has been found in tumors of some women with cancer breast.

However, the study was not conclusive whether parabens actually caused tumor or not, and there are other ongoing studies, but many biological associations have decided it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid chemicals altogether.

Another reason that many people begin to avoid, is that Animal experiments have shown that estrogenic activity in the body. These disturbances in hormones can cause various effects on the body, not just the fact that may interfere with normal hormonal balance in men and women alike.

Hormonal imbalances have been accused of everything from depression, decreased sexual desire, weight gain and even infertility.

Cosmetic companies say there is no real evidence that parabens are harmful or pose any type of health risk at these low levels. And all this is true (the studies have no definitive proof anyway) when there are safer alternatives why run the risk?

Determination of paraben free products may be difficult task, because most products on the market contain the preservative chemical, although some companies are beginning to adopt the use of healthier alternatives.

It seems that our purchases of personal care products could lead us to the health food stores instead of cosmetics counters in the future.

Tracey is an earth mama who embraces an organic lifestyle. You can find pure certified organic health & beauty products that are paraben free at http://www.green-skincare.com

Skin and bad makeup ingredients by Christopher Drummond

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