Parabens

Parabens-Should you be worried?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives that are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. Chemically, parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product, and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to provide preservation against a broad range of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria.
Currently most major brands of deodorants and antiperspirants do not currently contain parabens.  But the “buzz” around the word continues. 
In 2004  breast cancer researchers suggested link between parabens in deodorant and breast cancer after finding parabens in breast tissue during biopsies.  The problem was there was no control or healthy tissue studies in order to prove a cause or effect of the parabens in cosmetics.
As word of this research spread, manufacturers began removing parabens from their products due to public demand.  (The Food and Drug Administration is not authorized to approve cosmetic ingredients per The Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.)
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), however, has reviewed the safety of methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. In 1984 it concluded they were safe for use in cosmetic products at levels up to 25%. Typically parabens are used at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3%.
In September 2005, the CIR decided to re-open the safety assessment for parabens to request exposure estimates and a risk assessment for cosmetic uses. In December 2005, after considering the margins of safety for exposure to women and infants, the Panel determined that there was no need to change its original conclusion that parabens are safe as used in cosmetics. (The CIR is an industry-sponsored organization that reviews cosmetic ingredient safety and publishes its results in open, peer-reviewed literature. FDA participates in the CIR in a non-voting capacity.)
The National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all released statements that the evidence of a link between breast cancer and parabens has not been scientifically proven.
The FDA believes that at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens. However, the agency will continue to evaluate new data in this area.
This by no means suggests that the use of parabens should not be avoided.  The glōProfessional skincare and makeup products, as well as the Crystal deodorant that Santé carries, are parapen free.  It never hurts to be on the safe side, but there is no need to be overly concerned if you happen to use a product that contains parabens.  As they say, “the jury is still out”.