Overview
Parabens are chemicals used to preserve cosmetics, industrial products and pharmaceuticals. They’re used to help preserve these products and to help prevent the growth of potentially harmful germs. The use of parabens is controversial and some people choose to avoid them because of a possible link to breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says parabens are safe for use by consumers.
Types
There are different types of parabens. According to the FDA, methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben are commonly used in cosmetics. Isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben and benzylparaben are other types of parabens.
Function
Parabens help health and beauty products maintain longer shelf lives. Parabens also help prevent microbial contamination in makeup. According to the FDA, parabens are often used with other preservatives. This helps keep the concentration of parabens low.
Identification
Consumers can read the labels of their favorite products to see if they contain any kind of parabens. By law, the ingredients must be listed on the label. Products that may contain parabens are moisturizers, hair care products, makeup, shaving products and personal lubricants. The FDA says most deodorants and antiperspirants don’t contain parabens.
Benefits
The benefits of parabens include keeping cosmetic products from breaking down and giving them a longer shelf life. This helps keep products safer for consumers, which then helps companies’ reputations and bottom lines.
Considerations
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review studied the safety of butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben in 1984. That study concluded that parabens are safe for use in cosmetic products at levels up to 25 percent. The FDA says parabens are “normally used at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3 percent.”
Warning
There is controversy surrounding the use of parabens because of their possible link to breast cancer tumors. The National Center for Biotechnology Information says parabens have been found in human breast tissue. Also, a study published in the “Journal of Applied Toxicology” in 2004 found parabens in breast tumors. The study also tells about the estrogen-like properties of parabens and the possible link of estrogen to breast cancer. The FDA says it “is aware that estrogenic activity in the body is associated with certain forms of breast cancer.” The FDA concludes that the use of parabens in cosmetics is safe for consumers at this time.
