Chances are, by now, you've heard the bad news about Parabens. Several studies have shown that this chemical preservative may be directly related to Weight Gain, Depression, Fetal Abnormalities and even Cancer! Parabens can also pose risks to the Environment. Due to these potentially dangerous links, many beauty care companies are removing Parabens from their products.

What are Parabens?
These chemicals act as preservatives in your beauty care products, inhibiting bacterial growth and extending the shelf-life of your products. Parabens are found in everything from Foundation and Shampoo to Toothpaste and Shaving Cream. The most common Parabens are: Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Propylparaben.

Why are Parabens potentially harmful?
Their chemical structure is strikingly similar to the hormone, Estrogen. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency states that all Parabens have been proven to have Endocrine-Disrupting effects. When Paraben-laced products are applied to your skin, they are absorbed into your body and may be mistaken for Estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system. Too much Estrogen – or Estrogen mimickers – can cause big problems, including weight gain, fluid retention and depression, fetal abnormalities and possibly cancer.
 

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