Have you ever noticed terms like ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on the ingredient labels of your perfumes or deodorants? These may contain hidden phthalates. Similarly, have you spotted parabens, often listed as ‘methylparaben’ or ‘propylparaben’, on the labels of your shampoos, face washes, lotions, or makeup?
These chemicals have been widely used in personal care products for many years, but growing research now links parabens and phthalates to serious health concerns, including increased risk of breast cancer.
In this article, you get to understand why choosing paraben free and phthalate free skincare products is a proactive step towards healthy longevity!
- What are Parabens and Phthalates?
- How do Parabens & Phthalates increase cancer risk?
- What does research say?
- Key findings from REDUXE study
- CHOSEN’s commitment to paraben free & phthalate free skincare
What are Parabens and Phthalates?
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Parabens are synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in lotions, shampoos, deodorants and other personal care products to prevent microbial growth. They have been linked to endocrine disruption due to their estrogen mimicking properties.
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Phthalates are commonly used as fragrance enhancers in perfumes, nail polishes, and other personal care products. They have also been categorized as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) with potential health risks.
How do Parabens & Phthalates increase breast cancer risk?
Parabens and phthalates belong to a class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with our body's hormonal system. They can contribute to cancer risk in the following ways:
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Mimicking estrogen(technically known as xenoestrogen): Parabens have been shown to mimic estrogen,
a hormone that plays an important role in breast cell growth. Too much estrogenic activity can trigger uncontrolled cell growth, which can increase the risk of cancer development. Phthalates, often found in artificial fragrances, can interfere with hormone production and regulation and may lead to increased cell proliferation and DNA damage - both risk factors for cancer.
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Accumulating in breast tissue: Studies have found traces of phthalates and parabens in breast tissue and even tumours, suggesting that prolonged exposure may contribute to cellular changes linked to cancer.
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Reducing the body’s immune mechanisms – Some studies suggest that these chemicals weaken the body’s ability to fight off abnormal cells, increasing cancer risk.
What does the research say? What can you do to protect your health?
A recent study, known as the REDUXE(Reduced Xenoestrogen Use) study involving 41 women over a 28 day period has confirmed that reducing exposure to parabens & phthalates can actually reverse harmful changes in breast tissue, providing strong evidence that cutting out these endocrine disrupting chemicals(EDCs) may play a role in lowering breast cancer risk.
Key findings from REDUXE study:
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Volunteers who switched to paraben free and phthalate free personal care products showed significantly lower concentrations of these chemicals in their urine while the hormones linked to breast cancer showed no significant changes compared to baseline.
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The study analyzed gene activity in breast cells before and after exposure to paraben and phthalate free products. The results showed that certain cancer associated pathways were reversed, meaning the cells displayed a healthier, non-cancerous profile after reducing exposure.
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This research confirms that these chemicals, widely used in personal care products, do not just wash off. They absorb into the skin, accumulate in tissue and alter normal biological processes over time.
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It also proves that even a short period of switching to cleaner products can lead to positive changes in the body, highlighting the importance of choosing safer & cleaner skincare alternatives.
This new research is a wake-up call, proving that what you put on your skin impacts your overall health and longevity. For years, the safety of parabens and phthalates has been debated, but this study provides human based evidence that reducing exposure can positively impact breast health and long term well being.
CHOSEN’s commitment to paraben free & phthalate free skincare
At CHOSEN, we have always believed in formulating with safe, science backed ingredients. This study reassures our commitment to keeping parabens, phthalates, and other potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) out of our products, ensuring that you get skincare and haircare that support both immediate skin health and long-term safety.
By choosing paraben free and phthalate free skincare and haircare products, you are consciously making a smart investment for your long-term health. Small changes, like checking ingredient labels or using the ingredient scanner and opting for cleaner formulations, can add up to a healthier future.
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