Parabens are chemicals used to maintain freshness in food and cosmetics.

There are some parabens that are naturally found in plants like methylparaben in blueberries. However most of the parabens used in the cosmetic industry are synthetically produced.

Until recently parabens were considered amongst preservatives with a low toxicity profile, primarily causing allergic reactions. Their history of safe use coupled with low production costs, has led them to become commonplace in cosmetics.

For many years parabens have been considered safe, but studies recently have suggested that they might be more harmful than we think. Most of the information linking parabens to breast cancer comes from one small study from 2004, which identified parabens in samples of breast tumors.

The study suggested that parabens in leave-on cosmetics migrated to breast tissue and were involved in the development of cancers. This is because parabens can mimic the actions of oestrogen and other hormones in the body. Oestrogen controls - amongst other things - the development of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as most breast cancers. Obviously, the links between antiperspirants and breast cancer triggered much concern, but there is still no proven causal link between them. Darbre’s study was very small and critics argue that healthy breast tissue needs to be included to accurately indicate cancer risk.

The American Cancer Society also believes there is no scientific evidence to support a direct link between parabens and an increased breast cancer risk. Nevertheless in 2006, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Products called for more research into whether parabens can be safely used in cosmetic products at the current legal limits.

In many cases, we know safe alternatives exist and are already being used by some cosmetic companies. Many companies are not waiting for the scientific evidence to slowly roll in. They are acting now to create non-toxic hair care products, lotions and cosmetics that are paraben-free.

Forward-thinking manufacturers are using essential oils such as rose and sandalwood, which when distilled, are potent enough to act as natural antiseptics, anti-fungals and antibacterials. Some ranges include super-concentrated products using food grade herb, flower and oil extracts.