Parabens and Phthalates are known estrogen mimickers (xenoestrogens) and are implicated in causing female diseases.  Now, the US Federal Government is finally pushing for ingredient safety in cosmetics and toiletries. Parabens taken orally seem to be ok.  However, parabens put topically on rats in the same concentrations of cosmetics increase rat uteri size by 30%.  Again, anything put on the skin is 10 time in potency than what is taken orally.  If you take something orally, it is first pass 90% inactivated by the liver.

Here is a recent video by Good Morning America.