"Check the Ingredients"

In the October 20, 2009 inStyle.com article, "10 ways to detoxify your life," posted on CNN.com/living, number 7 urges readers to "Check the ingredients" in efforts to "avoid parabens."

Parabens are chemicals found in many products, especially cosmetic care products, that are used as preservatives to stop nasty bacterial growth. They come in many forms, including butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. Companies choose to use these chemicals because they are very cheap.

These cheap preservatives that stop microscopic growth, however, are thought to contribute to another horrific process- cancer. Studies have shown that parabens have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body, primarily impacting the endocrine system and potentially creating an increased risk of cancer. Studies have also found parabens present in breast cancer tissue samples.

Natural alternatives to the use parabens include grapeseed oil and Vitamin E, which are more costly, but definitely more healthy.


It is amazing that something so commonly used can have such negative effects. The few seconds that you take to "Check the ingredients" could have life-long benefits!



South of France products will NEVER include parabens.