By definition, parabens are a class of chemicals used as both a preservative as well as an antibacterial agent in many hygiene and cosmetic products. It is relatively cheap to produce and a big factor as to why it's used so frequently. Common paraben ingredients under this classification include butyl, ethyl, heptyl, methyl and propyl.
In recent years much controversy has surronded the use of parabens in products such as deodorants, shampoos, soap, shaving gels, creams and the like. Parabens are thought to have estrogen like effects on human cells. Estrogen of course is a primary catalyst in the development of certain cancers including breast cancer. In addition, a study done in 2004 showed higher than normal amounts of paraben concentrations in breast cancer tumors which were retrieved from the area closest to the armpits.
Other health concerns associated with parabens include allergic reactions and skin damage. Typically though only a small portion of people experience any type of skin irritation when it comes into contact with it.
Interestingly enough not all parabens are bad. For example, methylparabens are found naturally in blueberries and thought to have antioxidant properties. However, any paraben found in commercial products are created synthetically and contain no known health benefits.
For more information on parabens you can read more here.
Finding a natural deodorant which does not use parabens can be difficult. If this is something you are concerned about, be sure to read the ingredient label of whatever you are thinking of buying. Along with the specific ones listed at the begining of this article, generally anything ending in -yl can be classified as a paraben.
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