Key Takeaways

Cancer-causing chemicals: Phthalates and parabens are xenoestrogens that disrupt the endocrine system, and yet, they’re found in many everyday household products.

Avoiding exposure: Reading labels and supporting brands that don’t use phthalates and parabens can reduce cumulative exposure to these harmful chemicals.

While phthalates and parabens are commonly found in hygiene products and cosmetics from lotions to shampoos, their safety is coming into question. Both ingredients are hormone-disrupting chemicals called xenoestrogens. More and more research is proving that exposure to these estrogen-mimicking chemicals disrupts the body’s endocrine system and leads to increased breast cancer risk.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. In personal care products, they are often used as solvents and stabilizers. Historically, the most common phthalates found in cosmetic products have been dibutylphthalate (DBP), Dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP). Keep your eye out for any ingredient ending with “phthalate” to keep your bathroom carcinogen-free.

Why are phthalates used?

Phthalates are most often used to make materials more soft or pliant. For example, DBP has been used in nail polishes to reduce cracking while DMP allows hairsprays to form a flexible film on hair and avoid stiffness. While it's falling out of fashion for companies to use DBP and DMP in hygiene products and cosmetics, DEP is still commonly used as a fixative to make fragrances last longer.

What are Parabens?

Parabens are preservatives used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Parabens include several distinct chemicals that share a similar molecular structure. Some you might see in cosmetic and personal care products include ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

Natural Alternatives to Parabens

We’ve established that using parabens as preservatives is bad, but what about preventing the growth of bacteria and mold? More and more products are turning to natural preservatives to keep products safe. Some natural preservatives you may see on ingredient labels include sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, and potassium sorbate.

The Link to Breast Cancer

Both phthalates and parabens can be absorbed through the skin and have raised concerns due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. Research has indicated a link between exposure to these chemicals and an increased risk of breast cancer. Some studies suggest that phthalates interfere with hormonal balance, potentially leading to conditions that may encourage tumor growth. Parabens have been detected in breast tissue, prompting concerns about their role in breast cancer development. The evidence suggests that limiting exposure to these chemicals is a safe approach to minimizing breast cancer risk.

New Research

In a recent study published in Chemosphere, researchers recruited cancer-free women who used personal care products with parabens and phthalates daily. Half of these women switched to phthalate-free and paraben-free products. Blood, urine, and breast tissue cells were collected from both groups at the start and end of a 28 day study. The researchers found a significant reduction in phthalate and paraben levels in participants’ urine samples at the end of the 28 days. But more prominently, they discovered a significant reversal of cancer-associated cell signaling pathways and shifts of known cancer-associated genes to a “normal” profile.

Making the Switch to Phthalate-Free and Paraben-Free Products

By minimizing your exposure to potential endocrine disruptors, like phthalates and parabens, you’re actively reducing your risk of breast cancer and possibly other medical conditions. Making the effort to avoid these chemicals is particularly important for anyone who uses multiple personal care products daily, as continual exposure leads to bioaccumulation.Many brands now focus on formulating products with safer, natural ingredients. Switching to these alternatives often means you’re choosing items that are better for your body and the environment. Seek out brands like Fresh Peaches that prioritize transparency and safety in their formulations. A short ingredient list with no parabens or phthalates is the gold standard!

FAQ

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They are commonly found in personal care products, such as fragrances, shampoos, and lotions.

What are parabens?

Parabens are a class of preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben.

Why are phthalates and parabens bad?

Both phthalates and parabens are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with hormone function. This disruption has been linked to various health issues, including potential risks for reproductive health and breast cancer.

What are the health effects of exposure to phthalates and parabens?

While more research is needed, potential health effects linked to phthalate and paraben exposure include hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.

What are some safe alternatives to phthalates and parabens?

Look for products that use natural preservatives. Fresh Peaches toilet paper gel is phthalate and paraben free, using a natural preservative called sodium benzoate.