Pervasive Parabens

Parabens are found in just about all personal care products, including the Kiss My Face soap I purchased at Whole Foods. Parabens are known to be estrogen disrupters but the levels found in personal products are considered safe by the FDA. The Environmental Working Group, however, recommends people limit their exposure to parabens since their use is so widespread and they have been found in human breast cancer tissue.

Another concern is how these toxins may build up generationally as mothers pass them on to their chidren. Picture source:chemical body burden.org

Aside from our personal exposure, much of our personal care products are washed down the drain. Consider the amount of shampoo, make-up, lotions and deodorants streaming into our rivers on a daily basis! The chemicals that mimic estrogen, i.e. parabens, have been linked to the feminization of fish. Source: EWG

For a complete list of ingredients to avoid in personal care products visit ewg

While parabens may be found in the majority of personal products there are alternatives. Personally, I love Burt's Bees for moisturizer, cleansers, shampoo and conditioner, but my 6 month old baby's skin is too sensitive for their fragrances. For her I use California Baby products. For deodorants and toothpaste I use Tom's of Maine.
I found the best prices for these products at drugstore.com. Prices are comparable for California Baby but it makes sense to purchase everything from one place to save on shipping..

For natural soaps we use Cal Ben Soap Co. If you read March's tip, this is the same company I recommend for dish washing and laundry soap. Save on shipping by buying together.

We no longer use shaving cream, just soap and water. I've also given up on manis and pedis since I have yet to find a natural nail polish and simply walking in a nail salon is not recommended for pregnant (and I assume lactating) women.