“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.”