Parabens relating to esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid are most commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics. The most common in the cosmetic industry are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, the production of products with more than one paraben; moreover, they are usually used in combination with other preservatives to ensure a long shelf life and best protection against microorganisms.

Parabens may be contained in decorative cosmetics Cosmetics - whether to use it on all cylinders , Moisturizing creams and lotions, means for hair care Hair: structure, characteristics of growth and development , Foams and gels for shaving, and so on. The composition of deodorants and antiperspirants parabens largest producers of today are usually not included.

The legislation of most states oblige manufacturers to indicate on the packaging of all the ingredients of cosmetics; parabens found among them simple - typically, the word "paraben" is present in the title (benzylparaben, propylparaben, etc.).

Parabens and health risk

Security for paraben has repeatedly questioned the fundamental question, which is raised by scholars: whether we use to protect the bacteria and fungi that can start to multiply in cosmetics, potentially dangerous substances?

Since it is proved that parabens can penetrate the skin, and after a few minutes, after application on the skin of their traces are found in the blood, it is contemplated that they could cause damage to the body. In one study, 18 of 20 subjects in the tissues of breast cancer was discovered paraben. However, by itself, this fact does not establish a causal link. It is assumed that in these subjects ingested parabens dermal antiperspirant composition in which these substances are. However, parabens do not penetrate into the digestive system, and remain in the tissues under the skin, without being subject to little or no change; how they affect the surrounding tissue, if such an effect occurs at all, is unclear.

In addition, a group of chemicals which includes parabens, known for its ability to cause allergic reactions, but it is unclear how great the risk of such reactions directly using parabens.

It is known that the parabens have the ability to mimic estrogen - they bind to cells disposed on the estrogen receptors. Furthermore, parabens may increase the expression of genes that are normally regulated by estradiol (estrogen form). It is assumed, but not proven, that this feature parabens can cause cancer cell growth. It is also assumed that the use of cosmetics containing parabens, contributes to early onset of puberty in girls.

However, although the action parabens and is similar to the estrogen activity of the former is much lower. For example, during the research it was found that the strongest among the investigated paraben, butyl paraben, at 10000-100000 times less active than natural estradiol.

It is currently under active debate about whether it is really necessary parabens in cosmetics. According to the reports of some companies producing organic cosmetics, quality liqueur made from herbs can provide a shelf life of cosmetics from two to three years. Natural moisturizing oils can be stored up to 18 months. However, it is the danger of parabens, requires a preponderance of scientific evidence.

Using

Preservatives - large class of components, without which the safety of cosmetics. This title is not too enjoys a good reputation, especially in recent years when the beauty industry tries to lean in favor of the genuineness of the products. In conversations and articles on consumer preservatives often encounters the same word - parabens. Few people know what it is, but the majority believes that parabens in cosmetics - is indisputable evil, to be avoided.

Cloudless past

Parabens have a very interesting story that highlights their ambiguity. It describes how to distinguish relevant to these substances when they are turned into harmless from unwanted and dangerous. Preservatives are needed not only in cosmetics but also in foods where they perform their direct responsibility - as long as possible composition suitable for use. For these purposes, and used parabens, which have been opened in the twenties of the last century. Then they had one negative feature - the products, albeit remaining much longer gets an unpleasant taste. It is, after all, was the beginning of the end for the parabens in the culinary field, to be replaced by a few decades later came another area.

In the sixties, when the active development of the cosmetics industry, many manufacturers interested in new parabens. Especially attracted their ability to maintain a product formula, no effect on its members not to engage with the other components. This feature proved indispensable in the manufacture of cosmetics for the care that lengthens your life. Now women can take care of their beauty even better as favorite cream stored for longer than usual without loss of properties.

Change of status

For about two decades, yet the status of essential substances like parabens in cosmetics without side effects, remained steadfast. They were considered powerful bacteriostatic, components, prevents bacteria, fungal infections, which, moreover, increases the service life of cosmetics. In 1978 the European Union adopted the Directive on cosmetic products, podstegnuvshaya interest of scientists to potentially harmful substances that can get into it.

In the eighties the first information that parabens may in some way may influence the development of cancer, that first gave rise to the consumers fear the use of cosmetics with their content. It increased in the third millennium, where the study of the action of these agents is under way. In England and in France as a result of numerous studies have shown that parabens accumulate in the body. In particular, they have been found in breast cancers in women who use deodorant with parabens, which again points to their carcinogenic properties. But indirect evidence still does not allow to state their exact involvement, so from parabens in cosmetics today is unable to get rid of, but work in this area is actively conducted.

Security Watch

The very phrase "without preservatives" is very misleading and vague. Often it is just a publicity stunt to attract a buyer of products, striving for naturalness. Recently, on the makeup began to write "without parabens", which also draws attention to the alleged concern of the manufacturer about his client. From parabens in cosmetics are trying to get rid of, if not entirely, by the possibility of trying to reduce their negative impact. Sometimes they are replaced by phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: positive, negative, almost indispensable Which, as the results of research, no parabens useful. There are firms that mask called "paraben" it synonymous mislead consumers, but, in fact, is not deceiving him, pointing to the packaging of their presence.

Avoid parabens in cosmetics is not so simple as to find them a decent and harmless alternative is not yet possible, and avoid the preservative in the cream can not be - it will shorten its life many times. Those who are seriously concerned about their health and fears of excessive amounts of preservatives should choose cosmetics with less shelf life - it is less than parabens. All products with an aqueous or oily base must be purchased in small quantities for early consumption and choose the special dispenser that reduces repeated contact with skin. Usually in such funds less preservatives than those for a long time and kept in constant contact with the hands, "enriched" by new portions of harmful bacteria.

Eugene Zhirkina

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