Parabens

blue duckling is committed to avoiding the use of parabens - methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben in our products. These chemicals are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products.

The Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) has reported that parabens display "estrogenic activity," which means that they are endocrine disruptors that simulate the body's own hormones. The negative effects of endocrine disruptors include a correlation to an increased incidence of breast cancer, thyroid disruption, and other interference with the endocrine system. Parabens are absorbed through the skin, and accumulate in our water sources.

Parabens are very cheap and are highly effective preservatives, which is why they have come to be so widely used. They are found in lotions, shampoos, cleansers, toothpaste, and other beauty products. As with many "toxic" product additives, the safety of parabens has been declared acceptable by the Food and Drug Administration. However, because of the estrogen-mimicking properties, many consumers have decided to avoid the purchase and use of products containing them.

We blue duckling elves are among those individuals, and we are proud to offer products that do not contain any parabens. In the few products we do produce that require the use of a preservative (only our sea salt scrub as of February 2010), we use a preservative containing phenoxyethanol, which has a much lower toxicity rating (by the Environmental Working Group) and is not considered an endocrine disruptor. The product we use, Optiphen Plus, combines phenoxyethanol with sorbic acid (anti-fungal, anti-mold) and caprylyl glycol (an emollient) to further reduce its potential to irritate sensitive skin.