For many years it was believed that parabens as a preservative were safe. Manufacturers loved parabens because they are cheap, stable, and effective. Parabens have been used for decades and give products a long shelf life. They have been used extensively in toiletries and in food. In the late 1990’s new data was beginning to surface showing negative reactions to parabens.
Parabens mimic estrogen, the female hormone. Men who get high concentrations of parabens may find their muscle mass is lower, and that they gain more body fat, and develop breasts. Research in Japan has shown damage to men’s reproductive system, low sperm count, and a reduction in testosterone levels. More disturbing is that damage was noted at doses much lower than the accepted daily intake.
