Parabens


 * Parabens** are a group of compounds used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products, including deodorants. This chemical can be absorbed through intact skin, the gastrointestinal tract and blood. There are measurable concentrations of six different parabens that have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. These parabens were found in relative concentrations that closely resemble their us in the synthesis of cosmetic products.[[image:paraben_danger.jpg]]

Parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a diverse sample of U.S. adults. Parabens are estrogen mimickers, they have the potency of the agonistic response being related to the chemical structure. They also have been known to increase the expression of many genes that are usually regulated by estradiol and cause human breast tumor cells to grow and proliferate in vitro.

Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, from which the name is derived. Common parabens include methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216) and butylparaben. Less common parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts. The general chemical structure of a paraben is shown at top right, where R symbolizes an alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.
 * Chemistry:**

No direct evidence of a causal link between parabens and cancer, however, has been shown. A 2005 review of the data available at that time concluded "it is biologically implausible that parabens could increase the risk of any estrogen-mediated endpoint, including effects on the male reproductive tract or breast cancer" and that "worst-case daily exposure to parabens would present substantially less risk relative to exposure to naturally occurring endocrine active chemicals in the diet such as the phytoestrogen daidzein." The American Cancer Society also concluded that there was insufficient scientific evidence to support a claim that use of cosmetics such as antiperspirants increase an individual's risk of developing breast cancer, but went on to state that "larger studies are needed to find out what effect, if any, parabens might have on breast cancer risk. The mainstream cosmetic industry believes that parabens, like most cosmetic ingredients, are safe based on their long term use and safety record and recent scientific studies Public interest organizations which raise awareness about cosmetic ingredients believe that further research is necessary to determine the safety of parabens (see also precautionary principle). The concerns about endocrine disruptors have led consumers and companies to search for paraben free alternatives. Grapefruit seed extract that is promoted as a natural preservative was identified as containing artificial preservatives such as methylparaben.[
 * Effects:**