Let's Talk Parabens, Phthalates & Sulfates: What makes them so harmful for you?

Things are constantly changing in the beauty industry. Moreover, ingredients, practices, and products are so varied that current restrictions are not always able to properly protect the consumer from unwanted and potentially harmful chemicals and ingredients. 

With that in mind, let’s talk about some ingredients that you definitely want to avoid in any products that you use; parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. These ingredients are extremely harmful to you, and serve no truly necessary function in the products they inhabit.

Parabens

Parabens are a family of synthetic chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical products. In use since the 1930s, common parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, and sodium butylparaben.

Let’s talk about dangers. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer, skin cancer, and decreased sperm count[1]. In addition, there are multiple studies showcasing parabens’ effects on increased cell growth[2][3], reduced cell death[4], metastasis[5], and blockage of chemotherapy agents[6].

Parabens may also act as an endocrine disruptor and enhance the actions of the natural estrogen known as estradiol. Additional studies have also shown a link between allergic reactions and increased skin sensitivity.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemical compounds used as plasticizers. They can be found in almost everything from plastics to cosmetics, where they are used as solvents and stabilizers in product formulations. The primary function of phthalates is to make materials pliable. In cosmetics, they are used as solvents and stabilizers in product formulations. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is the most common phthalate used in cosmetics.

There are many risks associated with Phthalates. Some of them include increased risk of breast cancer[7], hormonal disruption (estrogen), increased cell proliferation and tumor formation[8], male and female infertility[9], earlier puberty in girls[10], and abnormalities in male offsprings[11]. They are also linked to diabetes, asthma, and obesity.

Sulfates

Sulfates are arguably the “safest” of the three ingredients in this blog, and are typically found in skin and hair products such as body wash and shampoo acting as a cleansing agent. They have properties that enable lather, and work to remove dirt, sebum, and other residues.

So, why should you avoid sulfates? For one, they can seriously irritate eyes and skin, with an increased reaction in people with asthma. Potential reactions in asthmatic people while using sulfates include dermatitis, urticaria, flushing, hypotension, abdominal pain, diarrhea and even life-threatening anaphylactic and asthmatic reactions. 

When left on the skin for an extended time, sulfates can irritate and strip skin of its natural oils - leading to dryness and irritation, dandruff, or acne. Sulfates in your shampoo are also responsible for washing off your hair color, so if you want to keep the vibrant look of your hair, then switch your products to sulfate-free.

Alternative Options

So, these may seem like some pretty scary ingredients, and sadly they are fairly common in many cosmetic products. However, fortunately for all of us, there are products that are free of all of these harmful pieces.Original Sprout products are free of all parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Our vegan and cruelty-free products are each individually tested as non-toxic, safe, and effective. Our proprietary formulas contain nourishing extracts from fruits, vegetables and flowers, the whole family can enjoy!

Sources:

[1] Chen J, Ahn KC, Gee NA, Gee SJ, Hammock BD, Lasley BL. Antiandrogenic properties of parabens and other phenolic containing small molecules in personal care products. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2007;221(3):278-284. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.03.015

[2] Darbre, Philippa D, and Philip W Harvey. “Parabens can enable hallmarks and characteristics of cancer in human breast epithelial cells: a review of the literature with reference to new exposure data and regulatory status.” Journal of Applied Toxicology 34, 9 (2014): 925-38. doi:10.1002/jat.3027.

[3] Pan, Shawn et al. “Parabens and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Ligand Cross-Talk in Breast Cancer Cells.” Environmental Health Perspectives 124, 5 (2016): 563-9. doi:10.1289/ehp.1409200.

[4] Darbre, Philippa D, and Philip W Harvey. “Parabens can enable hallmarks and characteristics of cancer in human breast epithelial cells: a review of the literature with reference to new exposure data and regulatory status.” Journal of Applied Toxicology 34, 9 (2014): 925-38. doi:10.1002/jat.3027.

[5] Błędzka, Dorota, Jolanta Gromadzińska and Wojciech Wąsowicz. “Parabens. From environmental studies to human health.” Environment International 67 (2014): 27–42. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2014.02.007.

[6] Darbre, Philippa D, and Philip W Harvey. “Parabens can enable hallmarks and characteristics of cancer in human breast epithelial cells: a review of the literature with reference to new exposure data and regulatory status.” Journal of Applied Toxicology 34, 9 (2014): 925-38. doi:10.1002/jat.3027.

[7] Fu, Zhiqin et al. “Association between urinary phthalate metabolites and risk of breast cancer and uterine leiomyoma.” Reproductive Toxicology 74 (2017): 134-142. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.009.

[8] Hsieh, Tsung-Hua et al. “Phthalates induce proliferation and invasiveness of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer through the AhR/HDAC6/c-Myc signaling pathway.” FASEB Journal 26, 2 (2012): 778-87. doi:10.1096/fj.11-191742.

[9] Tranfo, Giovanna et al. “Urinary phthalate monoesters concentration in couples with infertility problems.” Toxicology Letters 213, 1 (2012): 15-20. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.11.033.

[10] Harley, Kim G et al. “Association of phthalates, parabens and phenols found in personal care products with pubertal timing in girls and boys.” Human Reproduction 34, 1 (2019): 109-117. doi:10.1093/humrep/dey337.