PARABENS

With properties similar to estrogen, methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and ethylparaben are used in many skincare products and cosmetics as a chemical preservative. In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, researchers examining 20 breast-tumor biopsy samples found six different parabens unaltered by the body's metabolism and in "measurable concentrations" that closely paralleled their use in cosmetics products. Another study, published by the European Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2003, concluded that the "frequency and earlier onset of antiperspirant/deodorant usage with underarm shaving were associated with an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis." Approximately 90 percent of all personal-care products contain this dangerous ingredient, even those that claim they are “natural.”

11 Responses to “6 Toxic Ingredients You Should Avoid in Cosmetics”

Angela B says:

July 25, 2011 at 11:41 am

Hi! Thanks for posting this useful information. Just an FYI, I chose to “Like” this article so that it would post to my Facebook wall and I could share with friends. However, the thumbnail that is shown next to it isn’t the best choice. A set of breasts covered by a white bikini top is not really the type of pics I display, lol. Didn’t know if you were aware.
Maren G says:

July 25, 2011 at 5:37 pm

Always useful such articles, thanks! But how come you don’t mention aluminium, which is present in so many deodorants?!
elised says:

July 27, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I usually respect your articles and stance on ethical fashion and beauty. However, your wording in this article is very misleading and irresponsible. You say, “Asbestos-containing talc” can cause cancer, but the American Cancer Society website you link to says, ” Talc that has asbestos is generally accepted as being able to cause cancer. This type of talc is not used in modern consumer products. The evidence about asbestos-free talc, which is still widely used, is less clear.” Which has a very different meaning. The wording you have chosen implies that asbestos can contain talc and that talc is the toxic ingredient. In reality, the toxic ingredient is asbestos that can be (but is no longer) found in some talc. I think you should review this article with a fine-tooth comb and rewrite in a way that is more accurate and less fear-mongering.
Carro says:

July 28, 2011 at 4:21 am

Love this post! There are so many harmful ingredients out there, it is a jungle to navigate the labels. If you are worried about the chemical’s affects on your body then my advice in to choose all natural products.
Jasmin Malik Chua says:

July 28, 2011 at 9:54 am

Hi Elised; re-read our story. We do make the distinction between asbestos talc and asbestos-free talc (the latter isn’t entirely in the clear but we do note that evidence is fuzzier.)
elised says:

July 30, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Yes, but you imply that the talc is the toxic ingredient when the dangerous compound is actually the asbestos. It seems you did not understand my criticism. While it may not be your intention, you are promoting an irrational fear of talc itself. If you were truly concerned for your reader, you would make clear the ways which talc can actually be cancerous or dangerous: excessive inhalation (as experienced by talc miners) or careless use of talc on the genitals can lead to ovarian cancer.
Lina Hanson says:

July 30, 2011 at 7:08 pm

There’s obviously a lot of different opinions regarding this subject. In 1993 the National Toxicology Program reportedly found that cosmetic grade talc, without any asbestos-like fibers, caused tumors in animal subjects. With that said, I don’t believe we are promoting an irrational fear of talc at all. It’s true that the evidence is fuzzy, but if talc in any way can lead to cancer, why would anyone want to take a risk using a product containing talc when there are so many other natural options.
superflysquirrel says:

August 2, 2011 at 8:28 pm

I don’t feel any more afraid of the talc portion of the article by the way it was written, than any of the other chemicals mentioned. The article seemed pretty clear to me.
thatgirl says:

April 15, 2013 at 11:06 pm

“The wording you have chosen implies that asbestos can contain talc and that talc is the toxic ingredient.”

Actually, their sentence is, technically, correct. Punctuation makes a difference, elised:

– asbestos containing talc = asbestos that contains talc
– asbestos-containing talc = talc that contains asbestos

Yes, I know, late comment.
FashionIcon says:

April 17, 2013 at 11:39 am

Fear is good. I don’t want anything that is “expected to be toxic or harmful” on my face or near my eyes. Genitals schmenticals, elised, skin is the body’s largest organ.
Jeroen says:

May 28, 2013 at 6:13 am

Does someone has a suggestion about a non toxic shave foam?