In 2010, aged 33, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Whilst going through breast cancer treatment I was advised to avoid skin care products which contained parabens due to their links with breast cancer.

At the time I had no idea what they were and why I was being told to avoid them.

I have since done substantial research into the subject which led me to clear out my cupboards of any products containing parabens and establish a business which exclusively sells paraben free cosmetic products – www.myonpure.co.uk.

Parabens are a class of chemicals used widely as preservatives by the cosmetic industry to extend the shelf life of their products. They prevent the growth of yeasts, moulds and bacteria, before they have chance to spread and damage the products. They are found in everyday skincare products including deodorant, moisturiser, shampoos and make-up. They are highly efficient as preservatives, cost very little, and are often more effective than their natural alternatives, which may explain why they are so commonly used. However, the use of parabens in the cosmetic industry has become very controversial after studies found them in the biopsies of breast cancer tumours, raising concerns about the potential role of parabens in breast cancer development.

It has been discovered that parabens have the ability to mimic estrogen, a hormone known to play a central role in the onset and development of breast cancer. Although no causal link has been found between parabens and cancer, the very fact that they have been found in so many breast cancer tumours has sparked great concern and justification for further investigation.

One of the most vocal researchers into the links between parabens and breast cancer is Phillipa Darbre, a Senior Lecturer in Oncology and Reseach into Bimolecular Sciences at Reading University. She has carried out a great deal of research, and published a study which found parabens in 18 out of 20 tissue samples of breast cancer tumours. Although this study did not prove that cancer is caused by parabens, it did demonstrate that they were easily detected amongst cancer cells.

Further research by Darbre has found that over 55% of breast cancer tumours occur in the upper outside portion of the breast, which is the closest to the underarm. This has raised concerns about lotions and deodorants being applied under the arms or near the breast. Darbre stated ‘whilst there is no proof yet that parabens actually cause breast cancer, it does not sound sensible to apply a mixture of chemicals under the arms or around the breast as this could cause a build-up of toxic overload over the years.’

It cannot be denied that parabens have been found in breast cancer tumours, however the role they play in the development and growth of these tumours is still being debated. As the debate continues should you make the decision to avoid parabens the ingredients to look out for and avoid are:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben

• Butlyparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Isopropylparaben

Methylparaben is one of the most common parabens used in cosmetics. It has been linked with low sperm count, ocular/eye damage, skin damage, skin ageing and breast cancer. It seems ironic that many anti-aging skin creams contain methylparaben when that’s what could be causing the exact opposite effect! Due to the increasing scepticism over the use of parabens in skin care products, and the growing concern over their potentially harmful effects, in 2011, Denmark introduced a national ban on propylparaben and butlyparaben in cosmetic products for children under the age of three years old. It is the first European country to ban these chemical preservatives.

Due to these findings, my own breast cancer history, and the concerns of many others about the use of parabens in cosmetic products, I established a business dedicated to sourcing the highest quality paraben free cosmetic products for the whole family – www.myonpure.co.uk We work with a small selection of manufacturers whose ethos mirrors ours, and they share the appreciation of “what goes on your skin, goes in your skin” and with that in mind they manufacturer paraben free products which are naturally good for you.  Our brands include:

Mitchell and Peach – Exquisite natural bath and body products from an English family farm.

Balm Balm – 100% organic skincare makes the purest lip balms, face balms, serums, oils and aromatherapy blends all certified by the soil association.

Conscious Skin Care – Organic skincare, lovingly made in Britain. Award winning face and body products using only certified ingredients.

Earth Mama, Angel Baby – Zero toxin, hospital recommended, honestly organic and natural products

Love Soap Ltd – Beautiful hand blended organic bath products for children

Green People – Leaders in certified organic body care

Balm Balm – 100% organic, 100% natural

Deciding what products to use, comes down to personal choice, but for me, whilst the jury is still out on the links between parabens and breast cancer, they are an ingredient I would much rather avoid!

With kindest thanks to Amanda at MYONPURE for this guest blog.