Paraben is a synthetic chemical preservative that mimics estrogen as it acts in substances as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent. The FDA has long claimed that paraben is completely harmless and is beneficial, but more recent studies are suggesting that this substance may contribute in some ways to systemic dysfunction and even cancer.
Questionable Content
The primary point of concern for most consumers is that paraben mimics estrogen. An overabundance or imbalance of estrogen in the body has been repeatedly linked to breast cancer, especially, and estrogen imbalance can also cause major disruptions to the entire endocrine system (regulating metabolism, among other things). Studies have been performed on both sides of the issue that defend its benefits or dangers, and it's difficult to tell which one has the truly definitive answer.
The reality of the issue is most likely that parabens, like most other synthetic compounds, are cycled out of the body through the lymphatic system. Since some parabens are found in foods, the parotid gland also plays a major role in flushing these substances out. The parotid gland works in conjunction with the liver and eliminatory organs to keep the body clean, but when any of these elements falters on the job, toxins can build up in the body that make for long-term problems.
Erring on the Side of Caution
Most opponents of paraben use are very clear that they know they do not have all of the answers, yet they feel that avoiding use of this common ingredient is a reasonable precautionary measure. It limits the number of beauty and food products that they can use, but for a sense of well-being, they consider this fair. There is also an integral distrust in the statement that synthesized paraben is "identical" to similar substances found in the natural world (such as blueberries).
An additional difficulty arises in that parabens are often found in otherwise organic products due to a loophole in the definition of "organic" by the FDA. It is not enough to simply buy only organic products - the consumer who chooses to avoid parabens needs to be aware of the need to scrutinize the labels of all items, consumable and otherwise. There is a concerted effort being organized to reassess the safety of parabens, especially in light of the results of smaller studies.
What to Do Next
There are many resources available that outline methods of making your own hygiene products. Brands like J/A/S/O/N and Tom's of Maine work to avoid putting parabens in their products as well. There is a trade-off for using paraben-free products, and that is they do not last as long - paraben is, after all, a preservative. The argument is made, though, that even products containing paraben have lost a great deal of efficacy even before the main body of them have deteriorated.
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