Parabens, a swearword among breast cancer survivors, sneak their way into many of our everyday beauty products. According to researchers, these questionable preservatives can mimic the hormone estrogen, cause endocrine disruption, and accumulate in fatty body tissues. In fact, a 2004 study performed by Dr. Philippa Darbre and released in the Journal of Applied Toxicology cited traces of these hormone mimickers in the breast tumors of twenty patients. Since then, Dr. Darbre teamed up with colleague Lester Barr of University Hospital of South Manchester in England to collect 160 samples of breast tissue from women undergoing mastectomies. And the results were astonishing! Ninety-nine percent of the samples collected contained at least one paraben and 60 percent contained five. Darbre’s studies, and other similar investigations, raise concerns over the fact that parabens may play a role in breast cancer formation.

But before we start freaking out, running to our bathroom and wiping the contents of our shelves into the garbage can, let’s first uncover a little more scientific info. True—certain chemicals such as parabens, pesticides, and industrial by-products can interact with estrogen-receptor molecules in the body. And research has proven that increased estrogen levels are known to enhance the development, growth, and progression of breast cancer. But what amount of these chemicals, if any, actually lodges onto our sensitive tissues? The answer is complex and somewhat inconclusive. While parabens are easily absorbed through the skin and by the digestive tract, the body also readily converts them into an acid, quickly excreted via urine. Additionally, according to Marianne Marchese, ND in her 2010 Natural Medicine Journal article, the metabolism of parabens takes place in the skin, “which likely will result in less than one percent unmetabolized parabens available for absorption in the body.”

But not all parabens are the same, a point that draws further attention to studies like Dr. Darbre’s, causes cancer activists groups to take notice, and forces consumers to put pressure on the industry to adopt safer practices.

What are parabens?

Parabens are FDA-approved, broad-spectrum preservatives widely found in lotion, shampoo, mascara, foundation, sunblock, pharmaceuticals, and thousands of other personal care products. The most common parabens, methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungus, and other microbes. These everyday microorganisms—sometimes found lurking in the damp environment in your bathroom—can cause skin infections, rashes, and other uncomfortable conditions. In addition to thwarting microbe growth, parabens also enhance the shelf life and integrity of your everyday products.

But while no one wants to use mildewed makeup or separated shampoo, are these chemicals really safe? After the release of several controversial study results, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) board, in conjunction with the FDA, decided to re-open the safety assessment study on parabens. The FDA’s conclusion: There is no reason for consumer concern.

I’ll let you decide for yourself.

What are the health risks of exposure?

Endocrine disrupters are all around us. Without knowing it, we breathe them in our air, drink them in our water, and wash them down our drains. But when it comes to putting them on our skin, we have a choice. Dr. Elizabeth Smith, who has written numerous articles on xenoestrogens, claims, “Anything absorbed through the skin may be as high as ten times the concentration of an oral dose.”

Xenoestrogens, like parabens, can bind to hormone receptors in our bodies and put us at risk for certain types of cancers, primarily breast cancer. A 2011 study done by doctors at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco took noncancerous breast cells from high-risk patients, grew them in a laboratory, and found that once the cells were exposed to methylparaben (and bisphenol A or BPA’s), they started behaving like cancer cells. The same study also noted that these estrogen mimickers can actually block the drugs used to treat estrogen-sensitive cancers.

In addition to potentially raising the body’s estrogen levels, parabens can also cause skin irritation, rash, contact dermatitis, eczema, and allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Facts like these should persuade us all to read the ingredients of our coveted beauty products and adopt practices to seek out safer alternatives.

Natural Alternatives

Before I had kids, I paid marginal attention to the ingredients in my skincare products. But once my first child was born, I intuitively knew to avoid chemical-laden baby products. I started acquiring natural baby shampoos, soaps, and creams, and ditched the alcohol-clad wipeys for more gentle options. This newly adopted mindset caused me to scrutinize the products I was putting on my own body, too.

Thankfully, natural and paraben-free products were cropping up like weeds. Now, not only can you buy safer alternatives at your local health food store, but you can buy them direct from companies like LimeLight by Alcone, Juice Beauty, and Beauty Counter. And no, these natural products aren’t festering on the shelves just waiting to be purchased, because—contrary to popular belief—they contain earthly ingredients that help with self-preservation.

But do they Work?

Okay—so if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like me who worshiped the sun when you were younger, then your skin, well, it’s showing the effects of the elements. You’d like to be okay with your aging complexion, but there’s a part of you that longs for an even skin tone that is wrinkle-free.

This is where I come in, ’cause—you see—I’ve really done my homework.  I remember—way back—my friend and Ayurvedic practitioner, Cate Stillman of Yogahealer, advised me against lathering my skin with anything I would not eat. It was then that I started using coconut oil on my body and castor oil on my face and neck. Since then, my aging skin required more results, so I’ve adopted a daily skincare routine utilizing reasonably-priced options from LimeLight by Alcone. But I still slather on the coconut oil …

Face Oils

Yes, I used to use castor oil on my face. And while you may equate it with the likes of ipecac syrup, (Believe me, my memory is scarred with images of my grandmother chasing me with spoonsful to thwart my sickness.) castor oil’s unique combination of fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals are extremely beneficial to the skin. Similarly, LimeLight’s One Drop Wonder, made from made from pomifera oil, is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids. Yet unlike its castor counterpart, this oil, derived from the osage orange fruit, stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Pomifera oil also quells inflammation to aid skin issues like rosacea.

My wrinkle protocol consists of a few drops of One Drop Wonder, followed by two pumps of LimeLight’s Sotoks serum, made with a Songji mushroom extract that fades sunspots and tightens the skin. Right before bedtime, and after a gentle exfoliation with Skin Polish, I spread these two products on my face and neck and sleep on it. In the morning, my skin looks perky and radiant. Enough so, that I can leave the house makeup-free

Mindful Choices

So if you like the idea of going au natural, but you’re not quite game for slathering on food-grade oil, I personally recommend cherry-picking products that contain natural ingredients, whether or not you believe the paraben safety hype. We can all make healthy body care choices when armed with a little knowledge. If you’re like me and covet a healthy glow, combo up luxurious products like LimeLight by Alcone with an all-over-body DIY option to retain extra moisture. Your skin will thank you for it. No chemistry degree required.