The most lethal cosmetics however, which contains this chemical, are deodorants and under-arm shaving lotions. In a research conducted, out of 20 women with breast cancer, 18 carried high doses of paraben in their body. It was suspected that the presence of high levels of paraben in their body was primarily due to the use of deodorants and under-arm shaving lotions. Paraben, like the surfactant SLS, mimics the activities of the hormone estrogen, which is the reason why it can cause breast cancer in women. No wonder, despite the fact that it is branded a harmless chemical if used in low doses, cosmetics manufacturers are fast looking to switch to paraben free products.

The reason why parabens are so widely used is because they are said to be effective preservatives and thus are used in various types of shampoos, moisturizers, personal lubricants, pharmaceutical products, spray tanning solution and toothpaste. Paraben is also used in food additives. Its efficacy as a preservative and also the inefficacy of alternative preservatives like grapefruit extracts makes it almost indispensable.

But by and large, other applications of preservatives are being discovered to manufacture paraben free cosmetics, which can wipe this hazard out of the market. You should exercise caution and restraint while purchasing such harmful products, especially when other risk-free alternatives are available.