Parabens 
Today's Chemical:
Parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, benzylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben)
EWG Risk Score:
8
Parabens are a group of chemicals used as preservatives in lotions, conditioners, shampoos, shower gels, deodorants, etc.
Why is it a risk? Since 2000, thirteen studies have shown that parabens display estrogenic activity. Other studies have also shown that parabens have accumulated in breast cancer tissue. Although paraben supporters claim that the body breaks the chemical down quickly, these studies show that complete parabens accumulated in tumors, not broken down at all. It has been proven that excess estrogen does lead to reproductive cancers (like breast and uterine cancer), and it has been proven that parabens act like estrogen and accumulate in the body. The dots haven't been officially connected by the FDA, but the case for parabens looks pretty grim. The European Journal of Cancer Prevention reported that "Frequency and earlier onset of antiperspirant/deodorant usage with underarm shaving were associated with an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis." It is possible that the parabens (and other chemicals) in the antiperspirant are to blame for this.
What Type of Products is it Found in? Any water-based formula--conditioner, shampoo, body washes, lotions, hair creams, makeups. A Few Companies that use this chemical: Steph's Opinion:
Over the last few years the EWG hazard score of this Over the last few years the EWG hazard score of this ingredient has crept from a 4 to an 8. It seems like the evidence keeps piling up against parabens. The good news is that a lot of companies are reformulating their products without parabens because the word is getting out. The bad news is, though, that they're just replacing parabens with other harmful preservatives like diazolidinyl urea and tetrasodium EDTA.
Sources:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
Parabens and Breast Cancer, www.breastcancerfund.org
McGrath KG (2003). An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving. European Journal of Cancer Prevention 12:479-485.
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