Vituko Mitaani

Take a good look at your deodorant, facial creams, lotions and make up kit. Do they contain a chemical ingredient called paraben? The answer is probably yes, since most of women’s beauty products contain paraben.

 

This probably explains why researchers from UK’s University of Reading found this same chemical in almost all women with cancerous tumours. 

 

According to a study published in January 2012, the researchers took 160 tumour samples from mastectomy patients and 99% of the samples were found to contain at least one paraben, pointing to a clear link between the chemical and women’s cancers. Even more alarming is the fact that 60% of the women’s samples were found to contain at least five parabens. 

 

According to researchers, parabens are chemicals that are used as a preservative to constrain bacterial growth and prolong shelf life. This makes it a favourite for food processors and is used in almost all cosmetics and body care products.

 

These include shaving and facial creams, deodorants, make up, toothpastes, shampoos, lotions and mouthwash, all items that define most women’s and some men’s personality. Some pharmaceutical drugs also contain parabens. Way forward?

 

You can start by taking a closer look at the chemical components of your favourite products before you pay for them.  

 

 

Compiled by Elizabeth Namazzi