Many commercially available products contain methyl-paraben or propyl-paraben. It has long been a standard in industry to add these chemicals to creams, lotions, and cosmetics to retard oxidation. The hope is to prolong the shelf-life of the product so that it doesn’t become unusable before it is sold to the consumer.

These chemicals are derived from benzoic acid and their molecular structure is similar to that of estrogens, the female hormones. When applied to the skin they can be absorbed into the body. While the amounts are tiny, the number of daily uses, coupled with the vast number of products that contain them can expose a user to high amounts – high enough to possibly cause symptoms associated with hormone imbalance.

Many manufacturers have been making an honest effort to offer products that are paraben-free because their customers do not want to use something that can upset their natural hormone balance. The vast majority, however, continue to use parabens because they have a proven record of preventing contamination, and because they are very inexpensive.

The compounds we prepare in our pharmacy do not contain parabens, ever. The shelf life of a compounded preparation may not match that of a commercial product with parabens, but it is sufficient to assure it won’t become unusable in the time it’s in the customer’s possession.

Look at the products you have in your home – and those you are thinking of buying. When you see any parabens listed on the ingredients, stop and think twice about whether you want to subject yourself to an additional dose of estrogen-like chemical each time you apply it.