Parabens are compounds derivated from p- hydroxybenzoic acid, used widely as preservatives in food and cosmetics due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

There has been lots of "bad" publicity about parabens in relation with breast cancer mostly spread as a rumor based on studies without conclusive information, but what we know is:

Its true they have estrogenic activity but this cant be proven to be related with cancer since many substances have the same effects (such chicken meat or soy derivatives). In some cases could cause alergies but about this theres other things to be concerned in a cosmetic such fragance. Parabens are effective preservatives needed in a cosmetics formula cause without a preservative the products would last much less and full of harmful bacterias and fungus.

I think if we are going to worry about parabens should be concerned about food, not cosmetics.

Finally, if parabens are bad for our organism? we dont know, as dont know for some other chemicals cause scientifical investigation is allways advancing, so new things can be found all time.

Because we don't know is exactly why we should avoid parabens. Do you want to take a chance with your body, hoping the cosmetic industry (which has no oversight) and the food industry (which is overseen by an overworked FDA and has been in the news lately for a lot of missed food dangers) will look out for you?

Parabens in food should be avoided also. Please read this post Ingredient to avoid in moisturizers and washers to see what the US Environmental Protection Agency says about the use of parabens.

kebod

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My treatment: Oil pulling daily; candida diet (minimum of carbs, no sugars); omega-3 from canned salmon and sardines; sun exposure 10-15 minutes, 3 days a week, without sunblock; program to strengthen immune system; probiotic supplements; lots of water; moderate daily exercise; exfoliation with epsom salts and sugar several times a week. KP reduced 99%. If I go "off diet" -- grains, sugars, etc. -- or stop oil pulling, KP returns.

I avoid parabens and "fragrance" as much as possible for the mentioned reasons - that doesn't mean I don't end up with some things that have a little of either but mostly I don't. I get less skin reaction if I avoid them: less eczema, less KP, less acne. There are other preservatives being put into use that help replace the parabens.

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- bd: 45 yo F; I stopped scrubs, using salicylic acid after shower + homemade lotion; Burt's carrot soap or clean&clear on face; homemade body butter with Citric Acid as AHA; reg. exercise; OilPulling; a basic multi-vite plus Vit D, o3s, spirulina; eating GLUTEN-FREE DIET for Celiac Disease, and not much dairy as I get allergic reaction; Arms 95% clear, face neck chest 90%, legs 90% clear, butt is 99% clear. All dietary treatments above help reduce my sinus congestion and joint pain.

I m not hoping the cosmetic nor food industry or any random internet information look up for me, I trust in the scientific community which develops unviased serious investigations. I posted here that parabens have estrogenic activity but this doesnt mean it will develop cancer. And i have scientific articles sustaining my affirmations.
Im not reccomending if people should or shouldnt use products with parabens but the two sides of this are not being said.