Parabens
- What are they?
A family of preservatives used to prevent growth of yeast, bacteria and fungi.
- Why we don't touch them?
The UN Environment Programme identifies parabens as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They also disrupt the reproductive system's function, development and fertility. A possible link between parabens and breast cancer was also found in a 2004 study.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Usually listed as methyl-, isobutyl- and propyl- paraben.