As if bad hair days weren't enough, according to the folks at IdealBite.com – leading source of clever eco-living ideas for people and the planet – we can now add weight gain, hormone disruption, and breast cancer to the list of possible side effects associated with parabens - a chemical preservative and common ingredient found in shampoo and many other personal care products.

If you've ever read the back of your shampoo bottle, you've no doubt seen parabens listed among the ingredients; butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, isobutylparaben and propylparaben are found in everything from makeup remover and shampoo to shaving cream and toothpaste. These chemicals act as preservatives, extending a product's shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth. Parabens are used in tens of thousands of products, and are even found in many items – even some processed foods – that claim to be "natural" or "hypoallergenic" (buzz terms that aren't governed by federal standards or definitions).

In 2004, researchers in the United Kingdom detected parabens in 18 of 20 breast cancer tumors they studied, suggesting a link between parabens and breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Fund (www.BreastCancerFund.org) indicates that parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults.

Why Are Parabens Harmful?

Parabens' chemical structure is strikingly similar to the hormone estrogen; in fact, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that all parabens have been proven to have endocrine-disrupting effects. When paraben-laced products are applied to your skin, they are absorbed into your body and may be mistaken for estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system, and too much estrogen – or estrogen mimickers – can cause big problems, including weight gain, fluid retention and depression, and possibly even cancer.

Parabens & Breast Cancer

Researchers are also investigating what role estrogen may play as a culprit in the development of breast cancer: In 2004, scientists in the United Kingdom detected parabens in 18 of 20 breast cancer tumors they studied, suggesting a link between parabens and breast cancer.

Parabens & Physical and Reproductive Developmental Abnormalities

Parabens have been linked to several other hormone-related health issues, including abnormal fetal development in pregnant women, and abnormal development of male reproductive systems.

Parabens & Weight Gain

Estrogen also helps to regulate the activity of fat cells, meaning that yes, it's possible parabens in your shampoo are kick-starting your fat cells, and in turn making you fat.

Parabens Threaten the Environment

Besides being risky to your health, parabens pose environmental risks. Washed off in the shower or at the beach, they can accumulate in waterways and soil, and disrupt the hormones in animals. Scientists have documented hundreds of animals with genetic defects, such as frogs with extra legs, which they say could be the result of paraben pollution.

Fortunately, more and more products are wearing the "paraben-free" tagline on their sleeve (or bottle). The gurus over at Ideal Bite, have been pushing the paraben issue for a while now. Co-founders Jen Boulden and Heather Stephenson were kind enough to divulge their favorite paraben-free personal care options:

Hair: John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructing Shampoo; Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Conditioner and Styling Gel

Nails: Peacekeeper Nail Paint

Lips: Peacekeeper Lip Paint

Eyes: Alima Pearluster Eyeshadow; Dr. Hauschka Kajal Eyeliners; Lavera Mascara

Eye Makeup Remover: Avene Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Face (Wash): Jason Apricot Scrubble, Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

Face Cream: Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Crème

Face Makeup: Alima Cosmetics Transparent Powder, Stila Cosmetics Perfecting Concealer, Stila Cosmetics Perfecting Foundation, Burt's Bees Vanishing Facial Powder

Body Lotion: Blooming Lotus Massage Lotion Bliss Blend, Desert Essence Body Lotion

Shower: Collective Wellbeing Charcoal Body Wash, Alba Passion Fruit Body Wash

Sunscreen: NewCo Sunblock, Lavera Sun Spray

Deodorants: Alba Clear Enzyme Deodorant; The Crystal Stick Deodorant

Shaving: Aubrey Organics Shaving Cream

Source: IdealBite.com