According to recent studies, 99% of personal care products contain synthetic preservatives - used to increase shelf life - called parabens.
Parabens, commonly known as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben, are also used extensively in shampoos, and other personal care products - also produced for children.
As well as causing skin irritation, rash, dermatitis, and allergic skin reactions, parabens mimic the female hormone oestrogen, and have recently been linked to breast cancer.
New research undertaken by the University of Reading found high concentrations of parabens in 18 out of 20 breast tumours, with the indication that they came from something applied to the skin, such as an underarm deodorant, cream or body spray.
The Journal of Applied Toxicology, which published the research. States that: "From this research it is not possible to say whether parabens actually caused these tumours, but they may certainly be associated with the overall rise in breast cancer cases".
Previously published studies have shown that parabens are able to be absorbed through the skin and to bind to the body's oestrogen-receptors, where they can encourage breast cancer cell growth.
Children are also particularly at risk because the rate of exposure in relation to body mass is greater. Also, children's skin is thinner allowing harmful substances to be more easily absorbed.