Sulfates and Parabens - Beware of the Potential Dangers

The potential dangers of parabens.

Parabens are potent chemicals used to preserve beauty products. Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben are the most commonly used parabens. Less common parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben and benzylparaben. Studies have shown that parabens mimic the female hormone, estrogen. They have been scientifically linked to the development of several forms of breast cancer. Other studies have shown that certain parabens adversely affect the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system. Why would a manufacturer use such a potentially dangerous ingredient? Parabens are extremely inexpensive and they extend the shelf life of any given product for as long as 2 years, if not longer.

Without some sort of preservation system, you would have to store all of your beauty products in the refrigerator and even then, they would not last for very long. Larger companies that sell their products in retail shops, drug stores and supermarkets must use very strong preservatives, because their products often sit in a store room or on a shelf for extended periods of time.

The good news is there are MANY safe, non toxic preservatives that can be used instead of parabens. These include Vitamin E, citric acid, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary oleoresin and Neem oil, just to name a few. These ingredients are widely used to preserve products that are truly natural. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commonly referred to simply as sulphates, sulfates or SLS are also problematic for those worried about harmful chemicals. It is a low cost foaming agent found in many shampoos, facial cleansers, and shower gels. It is also used in industrial strength cleansers such as car wash soap, engine degreasers and garage floor cleaners because it instantly dissolves grease and oil.

Clinical studies have proven that SLS can be very irritating to both the skin and hair because it strips both of their natural protective oils. The biggest concern about this ingredient, though, is the manner in which it reacts with other ingredients used in skin and hair care products. When combined with many popular ingredients, it forms nitrosamines (nitrates). Nitrates are clinically and scientifically proven carcinogens.

Once again, there is good news: There are several truly natural and safe alternatives to SLS: These include organic castile soap based products as well as cleansers, shampoos and soaps made with coconut derived foaming agents such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS). These ingredients do not produce as many bubbles or as much foam as products that use SLS, but they do an excellent job of cleaning and they do it in a mild, safe and non toxic manner.

What should you do? It is absolutely possible to greatly reduce or completely eliminate the use of toxic chemicals from your beauty regimen. Reading labels and researching ingredients might seem overwhelming at first, but once you become familiar with what ingredients and chemicals to look for, it will become second nature to you. You will also find that the results of using naturally derived ingredients are well worth the effort.

Look below for a great start!