Ever heard of Parabens? Well for those who haven't, parabens are dangerous chemicals that come from alkyl of esters family. They consist of all these chemical substitutions. Parabens are used in cosmetics to contain their long lasting freshness. They have some antibacterial and antifungal properties that help with the preservation. Now you might be thinking, 'they don't sound that bad... they're antibacterial!' Having antibacterial properties doesn't necessarily mean they are good for your skin. They fight off the bacteria trying to get into the cosmetics but they're protecting our body tissues. A lot of research has been and is still being done on parabens to create some evidence to ban them from being put in cosmetics. One of the many studies conducted showed that 18 out of 20 breast cancer patients had traces of parabens in the tumours. Researchers are thinking parabens enter the skin while deoderates and antiperispants are being applied. What is predicted as happening is that the parabens go into the human skin and remain intact with the tissue. The tissue then reproduces damaged cells. This doesn't really prove anything, some people would say. This could be a bias study which is why more research is being conducted to create an unbias research to prove wheather or not parabens are related to cancer. Parabens have also had some results where they mimic some of the body's own hormones which can disturp some of the body's systems. Another noticed trend is that the alkyl of esters family group has created some allergy reactions but in rare situations. It is not a huge issue for it to be a huge concern. The food and drug administration (FDA)  can't adjust the ingredients used by companies in cosmetics. They can, however, create and publish lists with all  the harmful additives used by manufacturers to create make-up. This way, it can make the manufacturers rethink and change the dangerous ingredients. Some manufacturers think parabens are neccessary in all cosmetics but in fact, parabens can be replaces with organic materials. It can be replaced by things like organic herbs and organic grain alcohol. It has been tested that they can have a shelf-life of about 2-3 years. These aren't the only replacements for parabens. There are tons of other organic materials to replace the dangerous and harmful materials that do us no good in the future. Some people have already took the step of removing these toxic materials on Women's Voices for the Earth, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and so many other groups. At the end, it is your choice if you want to make a difference in your life and many others' lives in the future.