Parabens

What is a Paraben?

A Paraben are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/parabens-in-breast-cancer-tissue-studied.aspx

Researchers found traces of parabens in breast cancer tumours in 2004 (Dabre, Journal of Applied Toxiocology) but the study left several questions unanswered and no concrete convincing scientific evidence to whether there is a link between the two was formulated. For example the study did not show that parabens cause cancer or that they are harmful in any way. The study did not look at possible paraben levels in normal tissue.

Which is lucky as I can only find Paraben free beauty products which carry an above average price tag! 

http://www.nakedbodycare.co.uk/blog/lost-the-paraben-plot

This group of chemicals have a variety of pesky names

Many major British and international brands use different types of parabens in products, often listed on the packaging as methylparaben, propyl, butyl or ethylparaben.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/01/12/paraben-chemical-linked-to-breast-cancer_n_1202144.html

http://www.girlblogsetc.co.uk/2013/12/the-paraben-debate.html

http://www.parabenfree.co/parabens-and-breast-cancer.php#.UsGMi9JdWSo

Parabens can also occur naturally - http://www.herbhedgerow.co.uk/are-you-eating-parabens/