Parabens in cosmetics there really cause cancer, infertility?

Most types of cosmetics, with ingredients containing water is the ideal environment of bacteria, mold. Long stretches of time use, keep the stability of the product, prevent the reproduction of the bacteria, fungus after opening the lid, the exposure to the air ... that's why cosmetic need preservatives.

Paraben is the collective name of a group of preservatives, are commonly used in many cosmetics. In natural, paraben is derived from plants. It is produced from p-hydroxybenzoic acid in fruits.

The substance group is used heavily in the paraben cosmetics. Photo: VU VY.

Can find the original substances paraben in many types of cosmetics, medicines and even food. Paraben is present everywhere, from toothpaste tubes to clean milk jugs moisturizers, anti-aging cream, skin whitening cream, serum, mask, hair care products, etc.

Paraben, because they are inexpensive, easy to use and highly effective. Usually, there will be many original substance paraben in a product. Combining them to help increase the likelihood of preservation. The most easy to find paraben in cosmetics is methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.

Why paraben is prohibited and the controversy

In 2004, a study in English of Darbre made on 20 women found in breast cancer tissue containing the genetically modified substances from paraben. This study also indicated that estrogen increased the paraben-a hormone which causes the risk of breast cancer and low sperm in men.

Many other studies have also shown the relevance of the groups of substances for human health and cancer. However, yet a study would assert, paraben substances are the cause of breast cancer.

The story of paraben still far more controversy in the scientific community in the world. According to the Bureau of food and Drug Administration (FDA), at the present time, the consumers don't need to worry about parabens in cosmetics.

Many of the cosmetic label removed paraben in composition, replaced with other preservatives, safer. Photo: VU VY.

Meanwhile, the European Community, in an announcement on 4.2014 said, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, 5 for substance, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben and Pentylparaben not yet have concluded to ensure safety. Weigh between benefits and risks, the European Community has updated this substance on the list of banned substances used in cosmetics. The substance remaining in the Group paraben is confirmed to be safe, when used in the concentration allows.

In addition to the problems already mentioned, when the substance group paraben mix with other substances in cosmetics have created bad results or not? Use of cosmetics containing parabens (with permit), in a long time will be like? That's the question yet answer.

Consumers should do

Don't be too believe in the brand. List of cosmetic recovered have so many big names and familiar to consumers in Vietnam. Also don't be seduce with those ads. Whether it is cosmetic natural extracts, except when used in a few days, rest all need to chemicals to preserve.

Just select the cosmetics derived clear, complete information. Set of routines to read ingredients before deciding to put money out for an American food products.

For paraben, consumers also need not too puzzled, worried. Except the banned substances 5, original substances remaining allowed parabens used in cosmetics with certain concentration.

That means, not necessarily "repudiate" complete with paraben. If so, we will have to say goodbye to a lot of familiar products. At the present time, paraben can still be used. However, should limit, avoid using too much at the same kind of cosmetics (cleanser, moisturizer, serum ...) containing the substances in this group. Find alternative products, if possible.=