Results for "parabens" (51)
BCPP Overview: Are parabens in cosmetics linked to breast cancer?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives widely used in cosmetics, skincare products, and personal care items to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.[1] They are among the most common ingredients in beauty and hygiene products. Several studies have identified concerning...Chronic Exposure to Low Levels of Parabens Increases Mammary Cancer Growth and Metastasis in Mice.
Methylparaben (MP) and propylparaben (PP) are preservatives commonly found in food, and cosmetics which activate estrogen receptors (ER) in the body. Research shows that these parabens can promote mammary tumor growth and metastasis. This study tested female mice with exposure to MP and PP within levels deemed safe by the FDA. Even within FDA approved levels, there was significant increase in mammary tumor volume. Cellular analysis revealed that these parabens affected the expression of genes, some linked to breast cancer. This research highlights potential risks of parabens in promoting breast cancer.
Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system.
This study reviews the effects of parabens on endocrine health, focusing on their potential to disrupt hormone regulation. The article outlines the estrogenic effects of parabens, as they mimic the action of estrogen in the body and bind to estrogen receptors, which interferes with the natural signaling of hormones. Additionally, there are many paraben chemicals, and those with longer side chains have stronger estrogenic effects. Additionally, paraben exposure has been linked to fertility issues, as some studies show reduced sperm quality and changes in ovarian function in animals. In humans, paraben exposure may be linked to altered menstrual cycles and other reproductive issues. The article notes the potential of parabens to be involved in hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer due to their estrogenic effects.
Risk of breast cancer and prediagnostic urinary excretion of bisphenol A, triclosan and parabens: The Multiethnic Cohort Study.
In a nested case-control study of over 1,000 breast cancer cases and matched controls from the Multiethnic Cohort, pre-diagnostic urinary concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, and parabens were evaluated in relation to breast cancer risk. BPA was not significantly associated with risk; the highest tertile of total parabens had OR ≈ 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62–0.97) relative to the lowest tertile, indicating a modest inverse association. These results suggest that the relationships between common endocrine-disrupting chemicals and breast cancer may be more complex than anticipated and vary by exposure type.
Association between Urinary Phenols and Parabens as Well as Breast Cancer.
This study of nearly 5,000 U.S. women found that exposure to triclosan—an antibacterial chemical once commonly found in soaps, toothpaste, and other personal care products—was associated with more than double the breast cancer risk at moderate exposure levels, while propylparaben (a preservative in cosmetics and foods) showed a protective association. However, when researchers examined the combined effect of multiple phenols and parabens together, they found no significant association with breast cancer, suggesting these chemicals may have complex and sometimes opposing effects. These mixed findings highlight the need for more research to understand how individual chemicals versus chemical mixtures affect breast cancer risk, especially since people are typically exposed to multiple chemicals simultaneously in everyday products.
Reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reverses accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue of study subjects.
This study showed that reducing the use of personal care products (PCPs) containing xenoestrogens (XEs) like parabens and phthalates led to a reversal of cancer-associated traits in breast tissue. Over a 28-day period, subjects who stopped using these products experienced significant changes in cellular behavior, including the normalization of disrupted pathways such as the PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway. There was also a marked reduction in XE concentration in urine indicating lower exposure. This intervention suggests that eliminating XEs from PCPs could suppress pro-carcinogenic characteristics in healthy breast cells, potentially reducing breast cancer risk by restoring normal gene expression patterns.
Hair Goals: Using Products That Heal and Not Harm
During my adolescent years in Los Angeles, everyone I knew had natural hair. Of course, we didn’t call it that, we just called it “hair.” No matter how long or short, it had to be perfectly pressed, full of body (see you later 1970’s “grease press”) and healthy in order to be acceptable. There were a few girls here and there who wore their hair in “natural styles” (bantu knots, twists, or afro puffs) but they were the unique ones. I never thought twice about the products I used on my hair or their chemical makeup. I just used whatever my mom bought from the local beauty supply and went on with my life. No worries. One product I wouldn’t use however, was a relaxer.