Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in many body care products like sunscreen, cosmetics, shampoos and more.
Getting ready for work or school often involves personal grooming routines like showering, washing hair and applying personal care products. One ingredient – parabens are common in many personal care products. Is this a concern? Some studies say “yes.”
Parabens are synthetic preservatives. They’ve been used in cosmetics, sunscreens, pharmaceutical drugs, processed foods and industrial products since the 1920s. Colourless and tasteless, they’re are antimicrobial and antifungal.
Personal care products are the greatest contributors to paraben exposure. One study showed that adolescent girls who wore makeup every day had 20 times more propylparaben in their urine than those who were bare-faced.
Short-chain parabens, found in cosmetics, include methyl- and ethylparaben. These pose little health risk and are biodegradable. Long-chain parabens are a health risk for people and the environment. These are butyl-, isobutyl-, propyl-, and isopropyl parabens. Butyl-, methyl- and propylparaben may be endocrine disruptors. Those chemicals that mimic, block or interfere with hormones.
Health and environmental hazards of parabens
Human health risks and concerns
Some studies suggest that parabens can mimic estrogen, a hormone that causes breast cells to grow and divide. This may increase the risk of breast cancer. It could cause early puberty, irregular periods and obesity. Another study found that low doses of butylparaben worked with cell receptors to switch on cancer genes, increasing the growth of breast cancer cells. They exhibit some hormone-like activity, but it’s weak compared to a body’s hormones. Long-chain paraben molecules seem to increase some hormone effects.
The Government of Canada suggests that methyl- and propylparaben in health products and butyl- and iso-butylparaben in cosmetics and health products, including non-prescription drugs, may affect:
- The spleen and thyroid
- The stomach lining
- Developmental and/or reproductive systems
Other paraben side effects:
- In shampoo, may cause dry and irritated scalp, hair loss, frizz and faded colour.
- In soaps, lotions, sunscreens and body washes, may cause irritation, dryness and inflammation and allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Environmental risks and concerns
Paraben pollutants are found in aquatic ecosystems. They enter through wastewater and contaminate marine life. Studies have found that low levels of butylparaben can kill coral. Combined with chlorinated tap water, parabens may form chlorinated paraben byproducts. Long-chained parabens were more toxic than the short-chain parabens. In fish, parabens can act as endocrine disruptors. These interfere with hormones, impacting larvae viability and inducing behavioural changes and nervous system disorders.
Regulatory status of parabens
Current regulatory status of parabens in Canada
The Government of Canada reports that parabens may pose a risk to human health. Restrictions on some limit the amount that can be used as food preservatives and in health products. The government reports that parabens used as food additives don’t pose a risk to health. It also states that methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, benzyl-, iso-propyl- and iso-butylparaben are unlikely to harm the environment.
Current regulatory status of parabens in other countries
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The ten member states restrict the use of propyl- and butylparaben.
- European Union. The EU bans isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl- and pentylparaben in cosmetics. It also limits the maximum concentration of propyl- and butylparaben to less than one per cent of a product. Parabens are banned from leave-on products designed for diaper area of children under three to prevent skin irritation.
- United States. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act states that cosmetic products and ingredients, other than colour additives, do not need FDA approval.
Function of parabens
Parabens have strong antimicrobial properties and are used as preservatives in cosmetic products. They’re effective in preventing fungi, yeast, mould and bacterial growth in products with a high water content. Products include shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers, face and skin cleansers, sunscreens, deodorants, shaving gels, toothpastes and cosmetics.
How to avoid parabens
What to look for on labels
Read the ingredients lists. Cosmetics containing parabens will usually have more than one type. These are the four main ones:
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
Less common:
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Phenylparaben
- Heptylparaben
Avoid long-chain parabens linked to endocrine disruption and female and male reproductive harm:
- Isobutylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Propylparaben
Substitutes
To avoid parabens, look for a “preservative-free products” label. Studies have shown that substances such as essential oils and plant extracts act as antimicrobials. But they’re generally not as effective as parabens.
Other alternatives:
- Phenoxyethanol, which is used in the European Union at up to one per cent in all product categories. As a preservative, it works against microorganisms, but isn’t as effective against yeast and mould and some bacteria.
- Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid are effective as preservatives.
- Benzyl alcohol is against bacteria and, when combined with dehydroacetic acid, effective against yeast and mould.
Alternative methods
Preservative-free cosmetics and skin care products can be created using airless pump bottles combined with a rigorous quality control system to avoid microbiological contaminations during the manufacturing process. This ensures that the finished products and packaging are sterile and not in contact with the external environment. Products produced this way are more expensive.
