Parabens are a group of preservatives manufacturers add to most cosmetic products and or add to some foods. Parabens are a low-cost and effective method of preserving items for relatively long periods of time. Although the chemicals known as parabens were once thought to be safe, there is some controversy over their use.
Features
Parabens come in a variety of forms. The most commonly used parabens in commercial products includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acids. Methyl, propyl and butylparaben are most commonly used in cosmetics and beauty products. Parabens are found in moisturizers, shaving lotions, toothpaste, tanning products and shampoos, as well as in foods and drugs. A mixture of parabens is normally used to increase preservative activity.
Function
Parabens are used as a preservative to give a product longer shelf life and keep it from spoiling. Preservatives are used in cosmetics and other products to protect the item against the growth of microorganisms. Parabens such as methylparaben are usually easy to recognize by name on a product's label. It is required by law that ingredients must be listed on the product label.
Health Risks
Parabens are considered to be safe, however there have been some concerns because parabens seem to act as endocrine disruptors. They can interfere with the function of hormones. Chemicals such as these can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. A study published in 2004 in the "Journal of Applied Toxicology" detected parabens in breast tumors. The study did not show that parabens cause cancer or that they are harmful in any way. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration website states that the FDA does not see any reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of parabens in cosmetics at the present time. However, the agency continues to evaluate new data and advise the public if it determines a health hazard exists.
Significance
There are people who may have a sensitivity to paraben mixtures and develop contact dermatitis. Sensitivity to topical products may be more common because reactions to orally ingested foods containing parabens are rare. People who develop a rash and are subsequently diagnosed with a paraben sensitivity should read product labels and avoid products containing parabens.
Consideration
According to Terressentials, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report entitled, "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?" noted that parabens mimic your body's own hormones and can have endocrine disrupting action when rubbed into the skin or washed down the drain into drinking water. The EPA also stated that continued introduction of parabens into sewage treatment systems and directly into recreational waters leads to a question of risk to aquatic organisms.
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