The David Suzuki foundation reports that 75 to 90 percent of cosmetics will contain parabens. The foundation is made up of individuals working with officials and the public to preserve the environment. Parabens are used commonly as a preservative, and they easily penetrate the skin. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption lists parabens as a category 1 substance, shown to be an endocrine disruptor. Parabens have also been detected in breast cancer tumors, suggesting a link between them and cancer. Parabens go by the following names: Methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, ethylparaben, polyparaben and isobutylparaben
Facial Moisturizers
Used to moisturize facial skin, facial moisturizers are used by women of all ages. The Mayo Clinic recommends using facial moisturizers to keep the skin looking and feeling soft. Parabens are added to facial moisturizers as a common preservative. Dr. Alan Rockoff, a board certified dermatologist in Boston, suggests using Vaseline as a moisturizer for sensitive skin.
Anti-aging Creams
Anti-aging creams are used to minimize wrinkles and firm up the facial skin. The Food and Drug Association classifies anti-aging creams as cosmetics, and does not check them for effectiveness. Anti-aging creams are used once or twice a day and may cause side effects such as rashes, skin irritation or redness. The Mayo Clinic advises users to select anti-aging lotions that contain a sun protection factor of at least 15 and to avoid exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Parabens are often in the list of ingredients for anti-aging creams, as they are a common cosmetic preservative.
Foundations
Liquid and powder foundations often contain one or more types of parabens as preservatives to allow the product to have a longer shelf life. Some newer foundations on the market, specifically mineral wear foundations, are being manufactured to be paraben free. Foundations are used on the face to mask blemishes and to make the face appear smooth in texture and color. It comes in a liquid form, loose powder form and a compact powder form.
Fragranced Products
Not widely known by consumers, fragrances often contain parabens as well. Manufacturers are not required to label the ingredients in a fragrance, since fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets. Labels must contain the word "fragrance" but not the details as to what that fragrance contains.
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