You might be thinking, “Isn’t castor oil known for its laxative properties?” You’re not wrong, but castor oil has had numerous uses for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, for example, castor oil was used to treat eye irritation and induce labor in pregnancy. Nowadays, you can commonly see castor oil in skin and hair care applications, particularly because it has incredibly moisturizing properties. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil is a vegetable oil that must go through processing for safe usage. The reason for that is because the seeds, castor beans, contain high levels of ricin, which is a toxic enzyme. Ricin is removed during processing, making it safe for people to use. Nowadays, castor oil is a common ingredient in many lotions, makeup products, and cleansers as a humectant, hydrating agent, and moisturizer. Continue reading to learn how using castor oil benefits facial skin. 

May Reduce Fungal Infection

In a 2013 study, researchers aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of different natural extracts against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalic in root canals. The results indicated that castor oil was able to significantly reduce the number of CFU of the tested bacteria. Candida albicans is the fungus that can cause nail fungus, athlete’s foot, diaper rash, and jock itch. 

May Soothe Sunburn

According to anecdotal evidence, the moisturizing properties of castor oil may soothe the irritation and pain of a sunburn. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil are responsible for this ability. 

Exhibits Moisturizing Qualities

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, which work to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It acts as a humectant, creating a barrier on the surface of dry skin to help lock in moisture. In doing so, castor oil can help prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. Skin and hair care manufacturers add castor oil to beauty products for this reason. It’s also added to these products as an emollient to promote hydration. Because castor oil is thick, you may want to dilute it in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, prior to applying it to the face. 

Can Help Soothe Inflamed Skin

One study found that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in castor oil helped reduce inflammation in mice. Researchers observed similar effects in guinea pigs. Although gels containing ricinoleic acid can reduce inflammation, more human studies are needed to fully understand the scope of castor oil’s ability to soothe inflammation.

May Exhibit Antibacterial Properties

According to scientific studies, castor oil contains analgesic, antihistamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. A study from 2016 aimed to determine if castor oil exhibited antibacterial activity. Study authors noted that the protein from castor seeds contained antibacterial and anti-proliferative properties, inhibiting the growth of S. aureus, which causes acne. 

How To Use Castor Oil

As mentioned earlier, you can incorporate castor oil in various creams, lotions, or oil combinations. Because it is thick, you may want to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it on your face. Alternatively, you can dip a cotton ball in castor oil and gently dab it on the face and neck. In circular motions, gently massage the areas of application for three to five minutes before washing your face with a mild cleanser. 

Risk Factors Of Castor Oil Use On The Face

When testing any new oil on the skin, you run the risk of irritation. One study found that undiluted castor oil caused severe irritation on rabbit skin, while only causing mild irritation on rat and guinea pig skin. In human trials, castor oil wasn’t found as a skin irritant. That said, people with sensitive skin or occupational dermatoses (a form or skin inflammation) may experience skin irritation. Castor oil may also cause eye irritation and discomfort if it gets in your eye, so be careful when using castor oil on the face. A few tips to follow include:

• Always do a patch test: This rule applies to any new oil or skin care product you have concerns about. Test a small amount of the oil on your hand or arm and allow it to sit for 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.
• Check the label: The preservatives in castor oil may cause irritation. Always read the label to check the ingredients, as not all oils are created equal. Choose oils that are cold-pressed organic without any additives.

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It is a gift to be able to make your own nut milk because you know exactly which ingredients go into it. Besides the fact that they do not contain any emulsifiers, thickening agents, or added sugars, homemade nut milks simply taste better than anything store bought. They taste fresher and are usually creamier. Because they are homemade and do not contain preservatives, they have a much shorter shelf life. Homemade nut milk, such as this strawberry cashew milk, has a shelf life of about three days, so be sure to drink it all up.

Carrageenan is probably the most common ingredient that you’ll see in a store bought nut milk. It’s a potentially carcinogenic ingredient that you should avoid if you can. Even “clean” nut milk companies will uses ingredients like carrageenan, which doesn’t instill confidence in buyers. A great nut milk should consist of a few ingredients: nuts, water, and a sweetener, such as raw agave nectar, grade A maple syrup, or dates.

For this homemade strawberry cashew milk, there is no sweetener; rather, the strawberries serve as the sweetening component. Choose your strawberries right and you’ll have a perfectly balanced sweet and slightly tart flavor. Now, you can make this strawberry cashew milk in one of two ways. Either you add all of the ingredients to a blender and then strain through a mesh sieve or nut milk bag, or you juice the strawberries and then mix that juice with the strained cashew milk. Choose your destiny and let us know how you like it!

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Coffee used to be simple, with milk and sugar being the only additions. Nowadays, you can look at an entire refrigerated section in a grocery store with hundreds of coffee creamer options to choose from. With dairy and non-dairy options aplenty, how do you know which ones to choose? Not to mention, which one is healthy, unhealthy, or somewhat healthy? We can assure you of one thing, and it is that the brown sugar cinnamon swirl option isn’t doing your body any favors. 

Are any of these coffee creamers better or healthier options than cow’s milk? Even oat milk, which is a popular non-dairy milk alternative, recently received negative attention for spiking blood sugar. Most coffee creamers, though, have added sugars, emulsifiers, thickening agents, and preservatives to extend their shelf life. And yet, even with these ingredients, people choose them over regular cow’s milk and sugar. 

How do you select the healthiest coffee creamer? It can be very difficult to do this, but you can click here to make three homemade vegan coffee creamers that are healthier than store bought varieties. They don’t have harmful ingredients and they taste incredible! Make them and see for yourself. Continue reading to learn why you should rethink your coffee creamer. 

The Different Types Of Creamers

Generally, you can break down coffee creamers into the following four categories:

• Basic dairy, including milk, cream, and half-and-half
• Powders, such as nonperishable products, either plain or flavored
• Basic non-dairy, including unsweetened oat, soy, almond, coconut, and macadamia nut milks
• Liquids, such as coffee flavored products, either made from dairy or non-dairy ingredients

As a quick rule of thumb, the simpler the product, the healthier it is for you, according to registered dietitians. From the four categories above, basic dairy and basic non-dairy creamers are the best options. That said, you still have to read the nutritional labels to ensure that they aren’t full of emulsifiers, added sugars, and more. You want to look for minimal ingredients!

When Is Coffee Creamer Bad For You?

Everything in moderation, right? If you use your favorite coffee creamer sparingly, there is nothing to worry about. Most people add coffee to their creamer. You know those types, the people that like their coffee so sweet to the point where the coffee flavor is almost non-existent. Additionally, coffee milkshakes, frappuccinos, pumpkin spice lattes, and other similar drinks contain excess calories and sugar. Those drinks don’t contain coffee creamers, but they are just as unhealthy as pouring tablespoons of creamer into your coffee cup. 

Just keep in mind that nutritional values vary between brands and flavors. Most coffee creamers have about 20 calories and at least one gram of sugar per serving, although many non-dairy creamers do not contain sugar. Here are some of the ingredients in coffee creamers to watch out for, especially if you over-pour.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Hydrogenated vegetable oil typically tops the ingredient lists of most powdered creamers. It is used as a preservative and thickening agent, extending the shelf life and giving the creamer its creamy texture. Although hydrogenated oil is not as bad as partially hydrogenated oil (trans fat), you still shouldn’t consume a lot of it. Hydrogenated oil is still saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If that is the case, why does powdered coffee creamer state that it has zero grams of saturated fat? Well, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that a label can claim zero grams of saturated fat if a serving has less than 0.5 grams per serving. That is why you need to be aware of the serving size and monitor how many servings you add to your cup. 

Carrageenan

This is a common food additive in many non-dairy creamers and non-dairy milks. Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan may potentially impact gastrointestinal health, causing bowel inflammation. That said, a USDA report found that food-grade carrageenan doesn’t pose significant health risks at dietary levels. Carrageenan intake should be based on your individual health status, so just be aware of how it makes you feel if you consume a creamer that contains it. 

Dipotassium Phosphate

As a common additive in many processed foods, dipotassium phosphate is generally considered safe by the FDA. Some health experts have their concerns about this additive, and other food additives in general. According to research, dipotassium phosphate is absorbed at a much higher rate than phosphorus. Because of this ingredient’s prevalence in processed foods, many Americans may be over-consuming phosphates. Researchers note that high levels of phosphates in the blood increase the risk of kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. More rigorous studies are still necessary, but you may want to consider limiting your intake of phosphate additives. 

Gellan And Other Gums

Gellan gum is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, so it is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in non-dairy creamers. According to research, gellan and other gums are generally safe, even when consumed in larger amounts than your regular coffee creamer serving size. Just be mindful of your intake because too many gums may negatively affect digestive health.

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It is easy to feel defeated if you’ve been hitting the gym five days a week with a consistent program and you don’t see muscle growth. Is something wrong with your plan? You are working hard to build your biceps, calves, lats, glutes, and pectorals, but you don’t see a difference. This begs the question, “What are you eating?”

Certain foods can help build muscle, but some foods actually hinder muscle growth. Sculpting your physique requires drive, sweat, and, of course, the right food. You may be getting your daily pump in, but if you are pumping your body full of the following foods, you may be depriving your muscles of the nutrients they need to grow.

A Six-Pack Of Beer

You won’t achieve your six-pack if you drink six-packs. Not only does alcohol mess with your body’s ability to process protein, but it may also prevent muscle recovery. All the extra carbohydrates from beer make it more difficult for muscle growth. If you are after a six-pack, put the bottles down and focus on fueling your body with whole grains, asparagus, almonds, Greek yogurt, and green tea. Additionally, stay away from hydrogenated oils and ultra-processed foods.

Diet Soda

The zero-calorie aspect of diet soda attracts a lot of people who want to lose weight and build muscle. Although diet soda doesn’t have calories, sugar, or fat, it has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in several studies. The empty calories from diet soda add up in other ways, according to recent research. When people consume artificial sweeteners, they end up eating more calories throughout the day. That excess caloric intake can lead to weight gain, and that gain doesn’t show up in your biceps or lats. 

Doughnuts

Any food or beverage that is high in fat and low in protein is a problem if your aim is to build muscle. The reason for this is because you are eating way too many calories with very little protein. Say goodbye to the doughnuts and other sweets or fried treats because they don’t contain the nutrients that your growing muscles crave. Instead, feed your sweet tooth with protein-rich plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a little drizzle of raw organic honey.

High-Sugar Breakfast Cereals

If you are running low on time in the morning and need to eat something in a pinch, cereal is a popular choice. Pour cereal in a bowl, add milk of choice, and enjoy. The problem with cereal is that some appear healthy, but in reality contain much more sugar than you realize. If you find sugar (or another name for sugar) in the top three ingredients on the nutritional label, skip it. If there are more than five grams of sugar per serving, toss it out. There are healthier cereal options, but you have to do your research. Choose options with at least three grams of fiber per serving and fewer than five grams of sugar per serving. Alternatively, start eating overnight oats or chia pudding because they are more nutrient-dense breakfast options.

Bagels

Did you know that your average store bought bagel contains about 400 calories? Add cream cheese to your bagel and you are consuming a breakfast full of refined carbohydrates and saturated fat. Neither the bagel nor the cream cheese aids your muscle gains. It is better to skip the bagel and opt for a slice of whole grain bread topped with all-natural peanut butter or almond butter. 

Sausages

Seemingly harmless and undeniably tasty, sausages are brimming with saturated fat, excess calories, and sodium. Additionally, sausages contain nitrites, which are preservatives that help prevent bacterial growth and maintain the appealing red colors in meat. Nitrites can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are chemicals that have been linked to cancer. It is healthier, and better for your muscle growth, to choose lean cuts of meat whenever you can. If you have a craving for sausage, choose nitrite-free options.

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Before we get into describing this recipe, let’s address the appearance. It isn’t the most aesthetically appealing recipe that will take your breath away. Have you heard of the food concept “ugly delicious,” though? The idea behind this is that not every dish has to be visually stunning in order to impress your taste buds. Such is the case for this date roll, which comes together in under 30 minutes.

A date roll is essentially a tightly rolled log of nuts, dates, seeds, and other dried fruit, depending on the recipe. Roll it up in plastic wrap, freeze it for about 30 minutes, and then remove to enjoy. It’s like a stick of salami, only this has much less sodium and actually provides the body with essential nutrients. This recipe is 100% raw vegan, so all of the nuts are raw and dates are free of added sugars and preservatives. Because the main ingredient of this recipe is the dates, try to use high quality Medjool dates.

If your dates are mushy, they won’t roll properly. Dates that are too dry or dense may require soaking in water for five minutes. Unlike energy bite recipes, you don’t need to blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor. Finely chop the dates as best you can with your knife. If it’s easier to blitz them in the food processor, you can go that route. Chop up the nuts and mix them together with the dates, seeds, raisins, cardamom, and coconut oil. Roll it all up, freeze, and then you can slice into pieces for healthy snacking!

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A lot of people look forward to the Thanksgiving feast for months. Is it a healthy holiday? Absolutely not, but people excuse themselves from diet restrictions on Turkey Day to gorge on the impressive spread. Between the casseroles, turkey, stuffing, pies, mashed potatoes, and endless selection of other sides, it’s safe to say that you can easily rack up the calories. In fact, the Calorie Control Council estimates that the average American consumes about 4,500 calories during the Thanksgiving feast alone. That doesn’t even include the rest of the day!

Just in case you were wondering, 4,500 calories is more than double the recommended daily calories you should consume in a day. Research has shown that Americans experience an average weight increase of up to 0.2% over Thanksgiving, and 0.4% over Christmas. That may not sound like a lot, but the average person doesn’t lose that weight either. Year after year, this can accumulate and cause a lot of weight gain. 

While there are certain dishes that you can only get on Thanksgiving, exercise moderation and control when you encounter these foods. Most foods are on the “naughty list,” dietarily speaking, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid them entirely. Enter the Thanksgiving feast with a game plan and do your best to control your portions, especially in regards to the following unhealthy dishes. 

Stuffing

People love to gobble up stuffing, which is nothing but a calorically dense, carbohydrate-rich, fattening side dish. It does taste good though, right? Most people use store bought stuffing mixes, which contain preservatives, excess sodium, and processed ingredients. Plus, stuffing often contains bacon, giblets, and sausage, which can increase the calories to 500 per cup. Many people often eat more than two cups, accounting for 1,000 calories with one dish. Get a small portion, or make stuffing a little healthier by using less meat in your stuffing. Consider reducing the butter content by 50% and using lower-calorie and lower-sodium ingredients as well. 

Green Bean Casserole

You either love it or you hate it, but green bean casserole is a staple on many holiday tables. It’s a vegetable dish, so how can it be unhealthy? Even though it may be the only green you see on the Thanksgiving menu, it tends to contain 200 calories, 22 grams of carbs, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 574 milligrams of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that most people use canned creamy soup and fried onions, increasing the sodium, fat, and calorie content. If you do make it, try to use fresh green beans and low-sodium soup to keep the sodium down. 

Pecan Pie

Perhaps the most calorically-dense item at the Thanksgiving feast, pecan pie tends to be a family favorite. You may want to rethink your dessert choice, now that you know a slice of this pie contains over 500 calories and a ton of sugar. Gut health experts agree that pecan pie is one of the worst food options at Thanksgiving. Try something a little lighter, less buttery, and less sugary for dessert. Baked apples with cinnamon topped with Greek yogurt are quite lovely!

Macaroni And Cheese

Traditional mac and cheese recipes call for milk, butter, piles of cheese, and potentially more milk and butter. Plus, you have the enriched flour and carbs from macaroni. That means that this staple side dish can topple over the 1,000-calorie mark per serving. It’s difficult to lighten this serving, but you can do it. Use smaller amounts of flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper Jack, and consider supplementing with reduced fat cheese. Add vegetables like chopped cauliflower or cubed butternut squash to your mac and cheese to replace some of the pasta. 

Candied Yams

For some people, Thanksgiving is not complete without a dish of yams topped with golden-brown marshmallows. Unfortunately, this dish contains about 450 calories per serving due to the artery-clogging fat from all the cream and butter. Plus, the processed, sugary marshmallows only add unhealthy preservatives and chemicals to the mix. There are so many ways to make this sweet potato dish a lot healthier! Use low-fat milk and flour for thickening instead of using heavy cream. Lastly, make a lighter, crunchy topping with some chopped pecans and a few pinches of brown sugar. 

Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes have an impressive nutritional profile, but the copious amounts of butter, cream, and milk make mashed potatoes quite an unhealthy dish. In fact, an average serving of mashed potatoes contains 400 calories. Drizzle a hefty amount of gravy on the potatoes and you raise the calorie count by 200. There are so many alternatives to mashed potatoes that offer more nutritional value, so long as you skip all the butter and cream. Opt for mashed cauliflower or a combination of potatoes and root vegetables like parsnips. Celeriac is another great potato alternative!

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Energy bars are great to have because you never know when hunger will strike. Not only are these bars very easy to make, but they are convenient for on-the-go snacking. The simple ingredient list is another plus because most energy bars contain added sugars, preservatives, and dyes. These bars provide you with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals! That’s because these bars include dried apricots, raw cashews, hemp seeds, desiccated coconut, and coconut oil.

The big debate is whether or not energy bars such as these can actually provide you with energy. Yes, is the simple answer. The reason for that is because energy bars typically contain an easily digestible carbohydrate, such as dried fruit, which break down quickly for immediate energy. Energy bars also contain nuts and/or seeds, which provide a mixture of health fats, protein, and carbs, all of which help boost energy levels. An important thing to consider when consuming energy bars, though, is to enjoy them when you need them. Ideally, consume these energy bars before a workout, in the middle of a busy day, or first thing in the morning. Consuming bars later at night won’t do your body good.

When it comes to buying dried apricots, or dried fruit in general, we encourage you to buy unsulfured, unsweetened varieties. Dried apricots that contain sulfuric acid, preservatives, and added sugars, are orange and extra juicy. The ones without those same ingredients are often a bit chewier and more brown. Those are the ones you want if you are cleansing. If you aren’t cleansing, then you can choose your own destiny, but know that unsulfured dried fruits are better for your health.

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If you deal with high blood pressure or hypertension, then you know eating the right foods is the best way to manage your levels. Consuming whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts,  nuts, seeds, and legumes benefit the heart. Additionally, you need to avoid processed foods and other foods that are high in sugar and sodium. There are foods, which you may think are healthy, that actually raise your blood pressure levels. 

Managing your blood pressure, or any chronic health issue, can be a constant challenge, even overwhelming at times. This is especially hard when you have to avoid one extremely tasty and common ingredient: salt. You cannot live without salt, but too much of it can elevate blood pressure levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Consuming too much salt makes it more difficult for the kidneys to properly eliminate fluid, which can build up in the body and contribute to hypertension over time. 

Hypertension essentially stiffens and narrows blood vessels, which ultimately decreases the amount of oxygen and blood that flows to vital organs. That, in turn, forces the heart to pump more blood to make up for the shortage. So what can you do to avoid this problem? Staying away from overly salty food is a great first step, but you also have to keep an eye out for the following foods, some of which you may not know are high in sodium.

Tortillas

It’s very common to think that what you put inside the tortilla is more important than the tortilla itself. You may think that getting a wrap (often a tortilla) is a healthier choice than a sandwich. While deli meats and cheeses are undoubtedly high in sodium, you need to consider the tortilla. According to the available food data, a one-ounce serving of white flour tortillas has 194 milligrams (mg) of sodium. Compare that to the same serving size of corn tortillas, which only contains 13 mg of sodium. Adding chicken and cheese to a flour tortilla can raise sodium levels to 601 mg!

Shrimp

A lot of people enjoy shrimp because it contains high levels of protein, but this seafood option is quite high in sodium. In fact a 100-gram (g) serving of shrimp contains 111 mg of sodium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shrimp inhabit saltwater habitats, but that’s not the only reason they are high in sodium. Freshly-caught shrimp tend to be soaked in a salty brine within minutes of harvesting them. This brine helps reduce their temperature more quickly to prevent ice crystals from forming during the freezing process. 

Vegetable Juice

How can something that sounds so healthy be rich in sodium and harmful to your heart? Let us be clear and say that juicing your own vegetables or buying cold-pressed vegetable juice from a juice bar is completely healthy. Most vegetables are naturally low in sodium and contain nutrients that can help reduce blood pressure levels. We are, of course, referring to store bought vegetable juice, which contains processed ingredients and preservatives. One cup of your average store bought vegetable juice contains 52 mg of sodium. If you want the nutrients from vegetables, eat them raw, blend them into a smoothie, steam them, or juice them yourself. 

Salad Dressing

The sad reality is that eating a salad of vegetables is healthy, but dressing it with a store bought dressing can cancel a lot of the nutritional benefits. Many store bought dressings contain added flavors, processed ingredients, trans & saturated fats, dairy products, and more. A 2009 study of the sodium content in major brands of packaged foods in the U.S. found that salad dressing had the highest average concentrations of sodium per 100 g. In fact, the range of sodium per 100 g was 1,072 to 1,067 mg. Drenching your salads in bottled dressing is like dousing them in salt. Most bottled dressings contain 300 to 500 mg of sodium in a two-tablespoon serving!

Canned Vegetables

Canned vegetables are not all bad, due to the fact that they contain thiamin, protein, folate, iron, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. Unfortunately, canned vegetables contain a lot of preservatives and sodium. Sure, there are low-sodium and “no salt added” varieties (which still contain sodium), but the average person doesn’t buy those varieties. A can of green peas, for example, has 310 mg of sodium per serving, and there are typically three to four servings per can. If you eat fresh peas, they only contain seven mg of sodium per cup. 

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Have you noticed that more and more personal care and skin care products have “paraben-free” labels lately? It’s not just your imagination, and the reason for this evolution in beauty products is because more and more research highlights potential human health risks associated with these chemicals. As a jumping off point, a growing body of research linked parabens to abnormal hormone function and certain cancers. 

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in personal care products and cosmetics. You can usually find them in shaving creams, shampoos, deodorants, cleansers, pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Manufacturers include parabens in these products and more because they extend their shelf life. Additionally, parabens exhibit antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria. There are several types of parabens and most products contain more than one. Common parabens in consumer goods include ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. 

According to research, some 90% of typical grocery items contain a measurable amount of parabens. Even those who steer clear of parabens in personal care or hygiene products can be exposed to these preservatives. What worries public health advocates is that cumulative exposure to parabens can contribute to a wide range of health problems. Some of the main concerns are the disruption of hormones, reproductive toxicity, and the increased risk of certain cancers. For example, parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. The perceived influx of estrogen can trigger reactions such as an increase in breast cell division and the growth of tumors. 

Health Problems That May Be Linked To Parabens

As mentioned previously, parabens are hormone disruptors. This is because they can disrupt endocrine function, ultimately interfering with the hormones that are responsible for normal growth and development. Preliminary research from March 2021 linked hormone disruption from parabens to changes in several aspects of human health. Some of these changes included increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, obesity risk, cognitive decline, and immune system dysfunction. 

A lot of the research surrounding parabens, though, has been conducted on animals or testing paraben levels in urine. The urine tests aimed to discover if people with higher exposure to parabens had an increased risk of developing certain health issues. Some studies found that parabens in urine led to an increased risk of breast cancer. A separate study from April 2023 found higher levels of parabens in breast cancer tissues than in healthy breast tissue. Finally, some observational studies linked urinary levels of parabens to elevated breast cancer risks. That said, it’s hard to control other factors, such as age, genetic risk factors, and other environmental exposures. 

In regards to parabens in cosmetics, the biggest source of human exposure, U.S. regulators haven’t found a clear enough risk of health harms to warn people against using them. As of 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates cosmetics, said that there wasn’t sufficient information to show that parabens in cosmetics had an effect on human health.

Risk Factors For Paraben Exposure

Paraben exposure is very common, especially in regards to methylparaben and propylparaben. One study examined urinary concentrations of different types of parabens in American adults. The results indicated that 99% of the participants had exposure to methylparaben, and nearly 93% of participants had exposure to propylparaben. Even though a lot of people have some exposure to parabens, some people are at higher risk of exposure than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), higher-risk individuals include Black people, women, and adults over the age of 20. Anyone who uses more personal care or hygiene products may be at more risk of exposure, depending on the products. 

How To Limit Paraben Exposure

If you want to limit your exposure, start by reading product labels, be they for beauty, personal care, or food. Some parabens are more likely to interfere with the body than others, so keep your eyes peeled for butylparaben and propylparaben, as they are more likely to cause health risks. Those are long-chain parabens, whereas methylparaben and ethylparaben are short-chain parabens. Short-chain parabens are much less likely to disrupt hormone function. As we mentioned in the beginning of the article, a lot of products are paraben- or sulfate-free, so aim to use those products. Lastly, don’t assume that something with a “clean” or “natural” label is paraben-free. Read the labels and you’ll find the truth, and potentially become healthier in the process.

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It should be alarming when BHA is found in our skin care products and our food.

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