Paraben and Cosmetics: What's a Girl to Do?
If you have perused your October/November issue of Southern Beauty, you have read all about Bella Lucce cosmetics and its philosophy. The origin of Bella Lucce is a familiar story—a seemingly normal day turned frantic when a lump appears out of nowhere on you, a friend, or family member.
For some of you, the Bella Lucce article may be the first time you have
heard the word paraben. If so, a simple definition might be in order. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, parabens
are a class of the chemical compound of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The
most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Parabens are used in a product to protect against microorganisms and for preservation.
As of late, there is an ongoing debate regarding the safety of parabens in the use of cosmetics. Some say they are bad and can cause cancer, while others say that is absolutely untrue. What's a girl with a passion for products to do?
I must say, with people being diagnosed with cancer in alarming numbers, this growing debate gives me pause. I certainly do not plan to discard
my entire makeup drawer, but I do think this may be a factor in my future purchases. After all, my motto has always been "better safe than sorry!"
So, dear readers, I have compiled some sites for your information on both sides of the debate. That way, you can make your own informed decision.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-para.html
Article from the Washington Post: A Close-Up on Cosmetics: Experts Divided on the Safety of Parabens
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/08/AR2007110801152.html
The Mayo Clinic: Cancer Causes: Popular Myths About the Causes of Cancer
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-causes/CA00085
Breast Cancer Action: Healthy Alternatives for You and Your Family
http://bcaction.org/index.php?page=healthy-alternatives