By Federico Fassetta, student of Agro-biotechnology Engineering, UNSAM.

What are they?

Parabens are preservatives used in a wide variety of cosmetic products. Some of them are also authorised for food, where they can be found under the name of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid). From a chemistry point of view, parabens are esters derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid (1).

Where can they be found?

Parabens are frequently used in the manufacturing of shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers and creams to prevent the growth of microorganisms. The most common ones are Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Isopropylparaben. In general, it is also possible to identify them by looking at the ingredients list and searching for “paraben” in the last words on each ingredient name (2,3).

Are they dangerous?

Parabens have been proven to be endocrine disrupters, and they can be absorbed through the skin, blood tissue and the digestive system. The most common are Methylparaben and Propylparaben. It is important to note that while their concentration is regulated, the cumulative exposure to these substances is not, — i.e. that they come from different cosmetics at the same time (4).

How to avoid?

Looking for products that are labelled “paraben-free” and avoid those that contain parabens in the list of ingredients is always the best alternative. Many natural or organic cosmetics no longer use them or include less damaging substitutes to prevent microbial growth and can also provide a suitable option.

Did you know?

In 2004, research found presence of parabens in breast tumours (5). Although there is no evidence linking parabens to breast cancer, the study clearly pointed in this direction. This case brought parabens into media spotlight and prompted organisations to express their opinion on the subject. The American Cancer Society concluded that, despite the fact parabens were found in tumours and in most adult urine samples, it was still necessary to establish relationship between them and any health-related problem (6,7).

Read more on: www.goodvibesmovement.in

Bibliography

[1] Gray, J. State of the Evidence: The Connection between Breast Cancer and the Environment, 2008.
[2] Danish Ministry of the Environment-Environmental Protection Agency. Statutory order on restriction on import, sale and use of certain parabens in cosmetic products for children under 3 years.
[3] Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Final amended report on the safety assessment of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, and benzylparaben as used in cosmetic products. International Journal of Toxicology, vol. 27, no. 4, pp 1–82, 2008.
[4] Prusakiewicz JJ, et al., Parabens inhibit human skin estrogen sulfotransferase activity: Possible link to paraben estrogenic effects. Toxicology, vol. 232, pp 248–56, 2007.
[5] Darbre PD, et al., Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumors. Journal of Applied Toxicology, vol. 24, pp 5–13, 2004.
[6] Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html
[7] Barr L., et al., Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue at serial locations across the breast from axilla to sternum. J Appl Toxicol, vol. 32, no. 3, pp 219–232, 2012.