While it's still a grey area – the FDA vouches for the safety of methylparaben, propylparaben and ethylparaben, and methylparaben has been found naturally on blueberries and acts as an antimicrobial – women have become acutely aware of the paraben debate after a single study in Great Britain found parabens in breast tumors.

Beauty brands are responding in full force, and it's not just parabens that they're removing from formulations. Other offensive ingredients are phthalates, petroleum based components and mineral oil among others. Girlawhirl found revised ingredient lists, and often new packaging, on products from the following companies:

• In addition to recently introducing the Origins Organics™ line of products that contain certified organic ingredients, Origins products no longer contain parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petrolatum, paraffin, DEA, or animal ingredients. Girlawhirl's thrilled to see so many of her old favorites once again lining the walls of her shower!

• Damiana Zullo, Director of Product Development at Bliss recently said,

“While some studies have found that parabens can be found in breast tumors, there is currently not a direct causative link between parabens and breast cancer or any other kind of cancer. At Bliss, we use parabens in our products to protect the integrity of the formulas and insure an adequate shelf life. Because there is limited conclusive scientific data regarding parabens, a consumer's decision to avoid them, at this time, could be considered a lifestyle choice, rather than a product safety issue. That being said, we recognize and share the growing concern about paraben safety, and so, Bliss has decided that going forward we will be developing paraben free formulations for our new products.”

• tarte™ is taking it one step further, with the introduction of skinvigorating™ ingredients that impart strength and vitality to the skin. Included in the group of superstars like olives, cranberries, chamomile and echinacea is their t5 superfruit complex™, a combination of powerful superfruits goji, acai, maracuja, acerola and pomegranate. Used in products from lip gloss to cheek stains, the superfruits deliver antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins directly to the skin. And everything tarte makes is free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, sulfates and phthalates. Right now most products (85% of the line) are also paraben free, and by the end of the year, all will be.

• Girlawhirl loves the super-glam Rodial™ line, and now all of her favorite body-sculpting products are paraben free. As of this spring, all products including super stars like Tummy Tuck, Glam Balm and Body Sculpture have been reformulated without parabens.