ComputerHunter.org

 

Are Parabens Really Safe


You've probably heard the news stories about parabens and the controversy surrounding their use in personal care products. Here's a brief, but fair, look at this complicated issue:

No cosmetic can ever be truly "natural"-no matter what the manufacturer claims-but some ingredients are closer than others. Parabens have long been considered an ideal compromise and until quite recently were considered one of the safest preservative methods available. But an article published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology has cast doubt on the safety of parabens and, especially, their potential role in the development of some types breast cancers.

Scientists have known for some time that parabens can mimic the effect of estrogen when used on lab animals but in early 2004, British researchers from the University of Reading announced that they had found parabens in in the cancerous tumors of human breast cancer patients. Equally concerning is the fact that researchers believe that the form of parabens found in those tumors indicate that the parabens were absorbed topically and not taken orally. But most frightening is the fact that parabens were found in EVERY sample.

It's important to note that this was a very, very small study--only 20 women--and there's absolutely no way to tell what, if any, skin care products are implicated. Although the lead researcher has cautioned that there's no definitive proof that parabens actually cause breast cancers, he has already called for more study.

Should YOU Be Concerned? Manufacturers are. Many of the leaders in the natural products industry have already announced plans to discontinue the use of parabens and more are expected to follow suit.

How do you know if your skin care products contain parabens? Read the labels. All cosmetics are required by law to carry full ingredient lists. If your skin care products don't have ingredients listed, or you can't find the preservative in the list, be suspicious. Be equally suspicious of manufacturers who claim to use only natural essential oils or grapefruit seed extract. In day-to-day usage, they just don't work as promised.

One of the most exciting new preservatives being used today is Hydroxymethylglycinate, a derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid Glycine. It's considered extremely safe and seems to be less apt to cause allergic reactions than other preservatives.

About The Author

As the owner of NaturopathicBath.com, Lisa Barger is one of the few internet-based experts focusing on truly therapeutic personal care products. Her cruelty-free products are made without petroleum, dye, alcohol, or perfumes.

webmaster@naturopathicbath.com







Google News - Top Stories

CTV.ca

Obama picks Bill Richardson as Commerce secretary
Los Angeles Times - 52 minutes ago
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP President-elect Barack Obama and Commerce Secretary-designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson take part in a news conference today in Chicago.
Obama Names Richardson as Commerce Secretary New York Times
Obama says automakers submit "more serious" plan Reuters
International Herald Tribune - Washington Post - Bizjournals.com - Bloomberg
all 2,326 news articles


ABC News

Rice demands Pakistan help in probe of attacks
The Associated Press - 42 minutes ago
NEW DELHI (AP) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sought Wednesday to refocus India and Pakistan on a common fight against terrorism and away from their mutual suspicions of one another, but neither country seemed willing to go along.
Video: Rice: Pakistan Must Cooperate Fully AssociatedPress
Rice urges Pakistan to take on terrorists within its borders CNN
New York Times - Bloomberg - ABC Online - AFP
all 2,591 news articles


Boston Globe

Analysis: Labor-green rift clouds auto aid chances
The Associated Press - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) - Watch out for family fights, Mr. President-elect. Though Democrats will control both the new Congress and White House, the battle over a multibillion-dollar auto industry bailout already is pitting two major party constituencies ...
GM, Chrysler Seek $11 Billion to Avert 2008 Collapse (Update1) Bloomberg
Heads of Big Three Automakers Present Plans for Bailout Money KEYC
AFP - Town Hall - KTAL - TIME
all 467 news articles


guardian.co.uk

Franken pulls closer, but Coleman leads in Minn.
The Associated Press - 32 minutes ago
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Democrat Al Franken caught a couple of breaks Tuesday as the recount in Minnesota's US Senate race drew closer to a finish, though not enough to undo Republican Sen. Norm Coleman's persistent lead.
Meanwhile, up in Minnesota..... Atlanta Journal Constitution
Franken campaign claims first lead in recount Minnesota Independent
Boston Herald - MinnPost.com - KSAX - KEYC
all 511 news articles


Sydney Morning Herald

Third suspect in Tracy abuse case arrested in Berkeley
San Jose Mercury News - 2 hours ago
By Mike Martinez, Jeanine Benca, Kristin Bender and Sophia Kazmi A Sacramento woman was taken into custody Tuesday night in Berkeley, in connection with the torture and kidnapping of a teen reportedly held captive in Tracy for nearly a year.
Video: Third Arrest Made In Tracy Abuse Case kcratv
Aunt faces charges in shackled teen mystery CNN
ABC News - NECN - San Francisco Chronicle - FOXNews
all 1,612 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base