What are parabens?
Parabens, or esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, have been used as food and cosmetic preservation since the 1950s. Some are found in very low levels in nature. Generally, more than one paraben is used in a commerical product to assure broader biocidal and biostatic coverage than would be afforded by a single paraben.
There is some evidence that parabens may cause skin irritation and contact sensitization in certain individuals. USANA scientists have the technology to make a self-preserving product, making the use of parabens no longer necessary.
USANA is aware of a published study that showed some accumulation of parabens in breast cancer tissue. However, this study was not exhaustive and did not provide enough evidence to conclude that cancer was caused by parabens; therefore, we do not recommend that Associates use this study for marketing purposes. We are encouraged that additional studies are planned, and we hope they will bring clarity to these initial findings.
