Best for the Breast

Be aware: A beauty product’s “natural” claims don’t mean it’s free of synthetic chemicals. You’ve still got to read the fine print. Ingredients can vary a lot between different products made by the same company. Earlier this year, while shopping at l’Occitane, my eyes were drawn to a bust-firming gel. What a good idea, and how very French! As always, though, I read the ingredients list.

Sadly, alongside the certified-organic essential oils of lavender and the extract of nettle, were listed those troublesome paraben preservatives that cause the proliferation of breast cancer cells in lab tests. Not exactly what you’d want in a breast cream.

Heureusement, paraben-free alternatives abound in other body lotions, including some of l’Occitane’s, as follows.

Paraben- and Fragrance (Phthalate)-Free Body Creams

L’Occitane certified Bio Organic Lait Corps with Essential Oil of Lavender, $22 for 8.4 oz., http://www.loccitane.com/ or eponymous boutiques.

Avalon Organics Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, Lavender or Aloe Unscented Hand & Body Lotion, $9.95 for 12 oz., http://www.avalonorganics.com/ or Whole Foods (it’s $6.99 in some of their stores), drugstores.

Jurlique Rose Body Lotion, $38 for 8 oz., at better drugstores.

Terressentials Organic Flower Therapy or Fragrance-Free Silken Velvet Body Lotions, $23.75 or $22.50, respetively, for 8 oz., http://www.terressentials.com/

Dr. Bronner's & Sun Dog's Magic Organic Patchouli Lime, Peppermint, Orange Lavender or Lavender Coconut Lotion, $9.99 for 8 oz., drbronner.com

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