Parabens are used in personal care products all over the world. Parabens are used as a preservative to stabilize ingredients in products and inhibit microbial growth. Consumers should be aware that the use of parabens in personal products on a regular basis could be a risk to health. Checking product labels for ethyl, butyl, isobutyl propyl, isopropyl and/or methylparaben, can help consumers make smarter personal care product decisions.
Estrogen Mimicking
Parabens are known to mimick weak estrogen-like properties in the body. Parabens influencing estrogen levels could have a direct link to certain estrogen-fueled cancers. The ability to mimick estrogen may also mean that parabens could cause birth defects in infants, especially males. Any disruption in the hormonal system could mean adverse health risks to the body. According to an article from the Breast Cancer Fund, measurable concentrations of parabens have been identifyed in biopsy samples from breast tumors.
Allergic Reactions/Dermatitis
Parabens could cause an allergic reaction in some people. Although allergic reactions from parabens on people with normal skin are rare, parabens can cause skin irritations and rosacea in individuals with sensitive skin or people with paraben allergies. Parabens should never be applied topically to broken or inflamed skin, as it could cause more irritation to the affected area. According to an article on dermnetnz.org, it appears that parabens applied repeatedly in low concentrations in personal care products or medications may induce sensitivity.
Environmental
When people use parabens in personal care products, eventually they are transferred into the environment. For example, if a shampoo contains parabens, when you rinse off the shampoo, the parabens are then washed down the drain and make their way into the water supply and the general environment. Though some microorganisms are killed in the water supply through chlorination and other methods, parabens are not microorganisms and can maintain their stay in the water supply.
