Is the use of Parabens in cosmetics safe? Miné Coetser The use of parabens in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial products has been a strongly debated topic since 1960 (Hafeez, Maibach; 2013). Parabens are preservatives used in everyday cosmetics that protect the integrity of products by desisting the growth of harmful microbial organisms. It is important to come to a final conclusion as to whether parabens are safe to use because of the large daily intake per person world wide. Moreover, parabens are the most widely used preservatives since their discovery in 1930 (Cashman, Warshaw; 2005). In a compelling article by Livestrong.com (2013), they have highlighted some of the serious health concerns as a consequence of the exposure to parabens. Parabens have the ability to mimic hormones, thus making it a dangerous endocrine disrupter that can cause severe health problems (Mercola; 2013). This being said, a New York City dermatologist, Frank E. Cook-Bolden states, “Parabens have a long history of safe use, and that’s why they’re commonplace. New preservatives have less of a proven track record.”(2007). It has been made evident that this topic is still open to question, it is fatal to come to …show more content…
an epilogue as lives, present and future, are at stake.
Because of this, the review aims to contrast studies of both the positive and negatives of parabens to establish a generally accepted answer as to the safety of parabens in cosmetics; as part of that,
the safety of parabens are principally without conclusion. In an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola (2012), it was shown that research found parabens in 99% of breast cancer tissues sampled. Regardless of these claims, the study only tested the presence of Parabens in MCF-7 cells, not that they were the cause of the tumour (University of Reading, UK; 2004). To further evaluation, the study was only conducted on 40 women in England; because of this, a bigger sample size and a broader range of ethnical groups would make the results more reliable and would provide a clearer view on the topic. Once results that have more factors applied to the experiment are collected, further action and research can be taken to discuss the future of parabens. Moreover, Dr. Mercola continues to say (2012), “Parabens are chemicals with estrogen-like properties, and estrogen is one of the hormones involved in the development of breast cancer.” In support of this, the strongest evidence to substantiate these findings is made through clinical observations; this includes that the largest majority of breast cancer is in the upper, outer quadrant of the breast, the local area of which cosmetics are applied (Dabre, 2003). This information is particularly vital as we have also come to know that parabens are absorbed through skin and from the gastrointestinal tract (Soni; 2005). Notwithstanding, further research is needed to confirm that parabens are the primary link to breast cancer. If it proves to be so, options for preventing breast cancer will be made plausible (Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2003). To further this, as a result of parabens’ similarity to hormones, Endocrinologists have observed the average age of puberty decreasing in the past decades (Steingraber; 2007) (Pierce, Hardy; 2012). New York Times article reported that, “animal studies show that the exposure to some environmental chemicals can cause bodies to mature early. Of particular concern are endocrine-disrupters, like "xeno-estrogens" or estrogen mimics. These compounds behave like steroid hormones and can alter puberty timing.” (2012) In defiance of this, the claims are not a hundred percent accurate as many different factors affect the cause of early puberty such as: obesity, age, gender, genetics, ethnicity and behavior (Early Puberty: Causes and Consequences; n.d). If however, strong scientific evidence is presented, which to date has not, parabens may be on trial to be banned. “It has been estimated that the rate of breast cancer is increased by 5% per year earlier age at menarche (Hui et al; 1997).” Because of this, urgent multidisciplinary research is required to confirm and the link between parabens and early puberty as less is known in this area (New York Times; 2012). If this is done, we may have found the answer to many problems such as: precocious puberty and problems related to the disease (Mayo Clinic; 2014). Additionally, a study conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health showed that when rats administered with the acceptable intake of paraben in Europe and Japan, significant decrease in sperm concentration was the result (Oishi; 2002). “ It is known that a significant number of cases of male infertility results from exposure to xenobiotics, and also that testis mitochondria are particularly affected by drug-induced toxicity (Tavares, Martins, Oliveira, Ramalho-Santos, Peixoto; 2009).” Dr. Oishi’s results for his study provide a strong argument as to restricting/banning parabens because it’s possible effects on human reproduction (Reproductive Toxicology; 2009); however, a limitation within this experiment is that it was tested on male rats, not humans. The convocation of more research on the effects of parabens regarding human anatomy would provide more sufficient and applicable information that would benefit society. Therefore, despite the fact that most of these results are applicable, more research and experiments need to be done to construct clarity around the issue. In conclusion, whilst there is still a vague approach to the topic, it is clear that further research needs to be conducted on this particular debate. Evidence that Parabens were the cause to breast cancer were compelling, yet contained a lack of research and certainty. Moreover, whilst it is supported by experts that Parabens are indeed endocrine disruptors, research fails to claim that parabens are the cause to early puberty as many factors come into play when discussing this particular topic. Finally, while the evidence from Dr. Oishi’s experiments are a useful foundation for this subject matter, more research needs to be done based around human reproduction in a way that is ethical and effective. It has been made evident that conclusions cannot be made established upon current research and information. This being said, scientists have made clear paths regarding what needs to be studied. If this is done, it is hypothesised that there will be many life changing medical breakthroughs that may alter the way we preserve cosmetics forever.
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We all know that cosmetics existed thousands of years ago. Cleopatra used a heavy arsenal of beauty aids to help her shake the foundations of the Roman Empire. Yes, cosmetics and perfumes have a long history, but the consumer industry we live in is relatively recent, a creation of the decades 1890 through 1920. The products hawked in the 19th Century by druggists, perfumers, barbers, physicians, and a colorful assortment of other enterprising individuals were primitive by our standards. Certainly, active ingredients were used with abandon, notably arsenic, lead, and mercury. These were products that really made visible differences, and the consumer was well-advised to be wary of the majority of these mysterious concoctions.
Did you know, the personal care products you use every day have dozens of toxic chemicals that link to cancer, asthma, learning disabilities, and more? A campaign community working to build a healthier planet called The Story of Stuff and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, created a seven minute film called Chemicals in Beauty Products: The Story of Cosmetics. The purpose of this campaign film is to inform its viewers, specifically women and moms, about the toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo, that we may not know about. It addresses the top harmful chemicals that we are putting into our bodies, the products they are most likely found in, and
SUMMARIZE: The article grants information on new models in cosmetics to take the place of animal experimentation. It goes on to talk about how the European Union has now banned using animal-based test for cosmetic reasoning. Pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies have been using computer-like tools to assess the toxicity it has for years. The author incorporates information on cosmetics and the outlook on further research. ‘According to experts, combination of laboratory-based with virtual work will be the future of testing and is progressing faster than they expected.” (87 words)
The use of animals to test cosmetics is introduced in their article as well. The authors quote a vast amount of credible sources from prestigious universities such as Princeton and from well known animal rights group such as PETA. I will use this as my main source of information.
Each year, thousands of animals are brutally tortured in laboratories, in the name of cosmetic research. A movement to ban animal testing for cosmetic purposes has been gaining popularity, with many companies hopping on the bandwagon against this research. New alternatives have been developed to eliminate the necessity to test on animals. This is only a small beginning of what is necessary to end these immoral acts. Animal testing in cosmetics is useless and cruel, and can be accomplished by other methods of research to end the suffering of animals.
Jane goes to work everyday at an animal-testing lab. She pours liquids used in eyeliner into the eyes of numerous albino rabbits. The rabbits' eyes are held open with clips so that for the 72 hour test period, the rabbits can't even blink. The rabbits' bodies are in a box so that only their head protrudes. Jane watches the rabbits and records how the rabbits’ eyes react. She observes as the rabbits’ eyes bleed intensely. Some eyes become extremely deteriorated, and some rabbits even become blind due to the toxicity of the liquid being tested. As she walks down the line writing down what each rabbit's reaction is, Jane notices many rabbits have broken their own necks trying to escape the horrendous pain ("Product...").
"Toxic Chemicals Used in Salon Products." Women's Voices For The Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. .
Simple household items such as lotions, shampoos and cosmetics aren’t very expensive and are within reach for the public, yet the public is not knowledgeable of the fact that the products that they use everyday are put through a series of tests which involve the use of harmless animals. Several large commercial companies do not make products for animals; they decide that using these harmless creatures for the testing of their products, could be cause to be harmful to animals still go forward with these types of procedures on an everyday basis. Although these animals are unable to defend themselves or signs of any form of consent for the near death procedures, these companies find this as a cheap solution for testing their products before placing them on the market. There are many other alternatives to testing animals such as embryonic stem cell research. Animal experimentation is wrong and it can be avoided but companies which are greedy for money chose not to.
It is now required by law that cosmetics are tested for safety before being made available to the public. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of overseeing drug and cosmetic testing today. Animal testing was the most widespread form of cosmetic testing considered proven, but the technology that is now available may replace the need for animal test...
Reid, Brian. "Controversy Over Phthalates in Cosmetics" (2011): Our Stolen Future. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
At present, cosmetics are always used in daily life. When we talk about cosmetics, most people will think of the things that only use for make-up such as lipstick, eye-shadow, mascara, blusher etc. But in fact cosmetics are not only mean to the things that only use for make-up but also shampoo, lotion or sunscreen. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains “Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body… for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” (2014) The reason why people use makeups have different ways such as some people use for more confidence, some people use for protect the sunlight, and some people use for maintain their skin. However, there are a lot of people still worry about using the cosmetics since they believe that cosmetics are contained the dangerous chemicals that damage their body so they afraid of using them and try to avoid to use them. Although many people will be concerned that applying cosmetics may destroy their health, in fact, many experts have been confirmed that the use of cosmetic is not harmful to the human’s body. Moreover, cosmetics are also useful for users.
With no local manufacturing of cosmetics and toiletries, Hong Kong’s beauty product needs are met entirely by international exports. Hong Kong’s consumers are becoming more aware of harsh chemicals being used in cosmetics and toiletries and the demand for natural and organi...
Make up has been around for about 12 thousand years. Woman use makeup to make them look more beautiful, woman now and back that weren’t happy with their natural beauty so they chose to event or come up with something that would make them beautiful. Woman got the idea that they would use some things form nature that they found and smashed it or do something to but on their face. At first it was a poisons thing to use but now a days makeup have reached a point that it’s not dangers to put on now. In this paper making to talk about the different make up their development of each. Some of the makeup history that I’m going to talk about are lipstick, mascara, eye liner, Eye shadow, body painting and a little about nail polish. I’m also going to talk about who wear makeup. I am going to explain why they wear makeup and what it meant to wear makeup.
Some examples of harmful toxins with difficult names include diethanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde, glucocorticoids, and triethanolamine (TEA). We are exposed to toxic chemicals in many ways. We may breathe them in as sprays and powders, swallow chemicals on our lips and, even rub them on our skin. According to a team of researchers who conducted a study on the relationship between exposure to phthalates and DNA damage on human sperm, “cosmetics frequently contain enhancers that allow ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. Studies have found health problems in people exposed to common fragrance and sunscreen ingredients, including increased risk of sperm damage, feminization of the male reproductive system and low birth weight in girls” (Duty et al. 1164). There should be regulations banning toxic chemicals from personal care and beauty products because toxins are bad for our health (1), the consumer faith in cosmetic companies are suffering (2), and other countries recognized the effects and banned it while America has not