What are Parabens and Phthalates?
It seems like lately that society is being bombarded with chemical scares. First, the lead paint issue, then BPA, now Parabens and Phthalates. I for one, am taking notes on all of this because when it comes right down to it; I’m not taking any chances for my childrens’ sake. I started researching this topic about two years ago when I first became pregnant with my first son. In addition to replacing my health and beauty products for myself, I also made sure that once my son was born, I would use only organic, chemical free products on him.
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In lay terms, Parabens act as a preservative in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and many other products to reduce the chance of contamination of bacteria, mold, and fungi. Sounds simple enough, right? Where the issue is being raised is concerning Parabens acting as estrogenic compounds. Basically, the body treats Parabens as hormones, thus disrupting the endocrine system, increasing cancer risks. Parabens have been in our products for years, but it’s use is coming to the forefront because now Scientists are wondering if the accumulation of these estrogenic compounds in our system really is a bigger threat than once believed.
A quote from wisegeek.com states:
However, there have been a number of studies on this issue, both from inside the cosmetics industry and outside of it. These studies have found that while parabens certainly do have estrogenic qualities, they are probablysafe in very small amounts. Typically, the concentration of parabens in cosmetics is very low, often less than 1%. People and companies who adopt a “best practices” approach may choose to stay away from parabens, as future risks may be identified, or they may turn out to bioaccummulate in the body.
Take a look at your shampoo bottle and look for these ingredients: Propyl, Butyl, Methyl, Ethyl and Iso and always end in paraben. Don’t go crazy, but if you start checking lotion bottles and cosmetics, your bound to see these terms on the list as well.
Now on to the issue with Phthalates…
Unfortunately, it’s hard to know which products contain Phthalates. One general rule of thumb is to stay away from products that use PVC (a compound used to soften plastics), and products that have the term fragrance in the list of ingredients. More times than not, it is of synthetic nature, and is in fact a phthalate. Look for products that boast the use of essential oils as the fragrance derivitive.
From greenfacts.org:
Phthalates are widely used as plasticisers in a range of polymers (e.g., PVC) that are found in a wide range of consumer products including floor- and wall covering, furnishing, toys, car interior, clothing, hoses etc. Phthalates are also applied to paints and lacquers, adhesives and sealants, printing inks etc. The phthalates are not chemically bound in the polymers. Therefore, migration or emission of the phthalates from the product to water, air or other media in contact with the product is likely to occur. The emission of phthalates occurs in all life stages of a product (from productionto disposal) and the phthalates are thereby widespread in the environment.
Phthalates are also used in nail polish, perfume, and even your baby’s rubber ducky!
I’ve noticed more and more well known cosmetic companies offering paraben free and phthalate free lines. As a matter of fact, I was walking through Walmart one day when a lady handed me a free sample of St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin lotion. I wondered why on earth someone would be handing out bottles of lotion at Walmart…I’ve never seen anyone do this before. But when I looked down at the container, it said “formulated without Phthalates.” This really excited me, because I had already replaced all my health and beauty products with organic lines anway, so this one was a keeper! Now that these chemicals have acquired the spotlight of Scientists, I am hoping that soon we won’t have to worry if our products are going to give us or our children cancer. Phthalates and PVC are also being studied in respect to the feminizing of baby boys from exposure in the womb. It is worth your time to view this short video clip: Dr. Brown on the danger of Phthalates
- What an eye opener!
Now what? Do you throw all of your current products away? It’s not exactly cost effective to throw away half used, or even full bottles of shampoo and lotion, is it? The logical approach would be to finish up what you have, then replace as you deplete. Here’s the next concern –cost. I was so afraid that I would be spending so much more, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found wonderful, organic products that were the same price as the well known store brands, or even cheaper! I visited Vitacost.com and did a search on their organic selections. The prices were fabulous! Here is a list of organic brands that not only work just as good as your normal store brand, but they are Paraben and Phthalate free….and here’s the kicker…they won’t break the bank!
- Alba – Try the Very Emollient Lotion
- Desert Essence – Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil, Deodorant
- Jason Organics – Satin Body Wash, Aloe Vera Body Lotion
- California Baby – Calendula Cream for baby, Body and Hair Wash
- Tom’s of Maine – Toothpaste, Floss
- Giovanni -Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and Conditioner
Only time will tell whether or not Parabens and Phthalates are the danger they are posing to be at the moment, but I’m not waiting to find out! Check out this table on potentially harmful chemicals, and alternatives to choose from:
| Chemical | What It May Be In | Why It May Be Harmful | Safer Alternatives |
| Phthalate | soft plastics (toys) and baby care products (lotions and shampoos) | linked to reproductive birth defects in boys in epidemiological studies | wooden or cloth toys; fragrance-free products |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | hard plastics (sippy cups and baby bottles) | linked with neural and behavioral deficits and delays in animal studies | glass baby bottles, stainless steel sippy cups, BPA-free plastics |
| Lead | toys, PVC vinyl products, older paint | linked with developmental delays and IQ deficits in human studies | products made with natural materials |
| Flame retardant (PBDE) | cribs, mattresses | linked to neuro-developmental deficits in animal studies | organic cribs and mattresses |
| Volatile organic compound (VOC) | paints | some VOCs have been shown to cause cancer in human and animal studies | low or no-VOC paints |
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