What You Should Know About Parabens in Cosmetics
Have you ever heard of parabens? Chances are, if you are an avid cosmetics user, then you've heard the term thrown around with regards to the ingredients in your makeup and skin care products. But what exactly are parabens, and why have they gotten such a bad rep? Let's take a closer look at this seemingly controversial beauty ingredient and get to the bottom of what's true and what's not.
What is a Paraben?
Parabens are preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetics products. They can be found in shampoos, antiperspirants, deodorants, face washes, moisturizers, and other skin care products. Parabens have been widely used for decades because they help keep products fresh for longer periods of time. Some common types of parabens found in cosmetics include butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, and isobutylparaben. Over the past few years, however, parabens have come under increased scrutiny with many people questioning their safety due to possible links to cancer and other health issues.
Why Did Parabens Get a Bad Reputation?
The controversy surrounding parabens began when a study published in 1998 suggested that some alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (parabens) are estrogenic, meaning they can act like the female hormone estrogen when absorbed into the body. This raised concerns that parabens may be linked to breast cancer and other health issues. Another study published in 2004 found concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours, however it did not prove a causal link between paraben use and cancer.
Nonetheless, parabens began to receive a lot of negative publicity due to their potential health risks. While the initial study mentioned was conducted on animals rather than humans, and the parabens were injected at high quantities under the skin, rather than applied topically, some felt the results were still alarming enough to spark concern. As a result, many companies began phasing out paraben use in their products.
Should Parabens Be Feared?
The answer is complicated. Some studies have suggested a link between the use of parabens and breast cancer, while other studies have found no connection. The National Cancer Institute has stated that there is limited evidence of a possible link between antiperspirants/deodorants containing parabens and breast cancer, but indicated that more research is needed to draw any conclusions. Additionally, the CDC says that “no studies have shown that parabens cause health effects in humans”.
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has confirmed that the use of parabens in cosmetics is safe at a concentration of 8g/kg, with no single paraben having a higher concentration than 4 g/kg. For larger paraben molecules, the maximum total concentration should not exceed 1.9 g/kg. As a result of such research reviews, the SCCS therefore considers the use of butylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives in finished cosmetic products as safe to the consumer provided that their individual concentrations do not exceed 0.19%. Regarding other parabens, the SCCS has concluded that there is insufficient scientific evidence to evaluate the human risk of isopropyl-, isobutyl-, and phenylparaben, as well as benzylparaben and pentylparaben.
Common Types Of Parabens Found In Cosmetics
The most commonly used types of parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben. The European Union has banned five parabens from being used in cosmetics due to their potential health risks (isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, and pentylparaben). However, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben are still allowed in the EU and are regularly found in cosmetics available in Europe, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
It is important to note that while there are still questions surrounding the safety of parabens, there have been no definitive studies that link parabens to cancer or other health problems. However, the decision on whether or not to use products containing parabens boils down to personal choice. Remember, always stay informed about the ingredients in your products, speak with your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns, and make an informed decision about what products are right for you. That way, you can feel confident that any product you use is safe and effective for your individual skin type.
