Do Chemicals in Cosmetics and Cleansers Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

Question asked by deemccurdy: I would like to know your thoughts on some of the ingredients in cosmetics and face cleansers that may be contributing to estrogen-induced breast cancer, such as propylparaben, butylparaben and methylparaben. Please comment on these. Thanks.

Answer from Karleen Habin, R.N.: For all of you out there wondering what propylparaben, butylparaben and methylparaben are, they are compounds, most often found as preservatives in food or makeup. The FDA has reviewed the use of these compounds and to date has not found a direct correlation of their use and the risk of breast cancer.

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There is a research article posted on the FDA web site regarding this topic: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-para.html.