Buzz
That tricky word on the label could very well be a paraben.
©iStockphoto.com/brazzoHumans have been finding ways to preserve food and other perishables for as long as ice and sunlight have been available to freeze or dry them. Over time, new preservation techniques like curing, pickling, fermenting, and canning emerged, among others.
The history of cosmetics runs parallel to this timeline. In ancient times, people experimented with everything from arsenic to ox blood to enhance their appearance, often risking their health. While the ingredient lists in ancient makeup were simpler ("Contains: one leech, for ultimate paleness"), the modern product labels can sometimes make you feel like you need a chemistry degree to decode them.
Parabens are common ingredients found in products ranging from toothpaste to deodorant. They go by several different names, including propylparaben and parahydroxybenzoate.
On a chemical level, parabens are esters, which are compounds created from an alcohol and an organic acid (in this case, p-hydroxybenzoic acid). Despite their complex names, parabens are essentially preservatives. Without them, bacteria and fungi would thrive, leading to spoilage and potential harm. Parabens are easy to manufacture and add to products, making them a popular choice for extending the shelf life of a wide range of consumer goods.
Most of us unknowingly use or consume parabens every day. They can be found in the following products:
- Cosmetics like moisturizers, lipstick, foundation, concealer, eye makeup, and makeup removers
- Hygiene items such as soaps, shampoos, anti-wrinkle creams, toothpaste, ointments, deodorants, sunscreens, bandages, and eye drops
- Household or industrial goods, including textiles and adhesives
- Food products such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, mustard, processed veggies, frozen dairy, jams, sodas, and baked goods
Seems like a useful product, doesn't it? But why do some people believe parabens might disrupt the endocrine system, cause hormonal imbalances, and even lead to cancer? Keep reading to learn more.
Are Parabens Dangerous?
While food and medication are tightly regulated, cosmetics aren't. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) steps in only when a product is either misrepresented or tainted. The FDA also bans any cosmetic that’s spoiled or decayed, which is why preservatives like parabens are crucial—they help prevent such issues before they even arise.
In the 1990s, concerns about the potential health risks of parabens gained attention, but no clear conclusions or concrete data have emerged. Their widespread use makes it hard to conduct thorough research on their effects. The concentration of parabens in a single product is considered too low to be harmful, though the cumulative exposure from daily use of multiple products could lead to prolonged skin contact.
Parabens are worrying because they are xenoestrogens, which means they can bind to estrogen receptors in your cells. Once a paraben molecule attaches to the receptor, it triggers the release of signals from glands and neurotransmitters, as if it were actual estrogen. Some researchers fear that this could disrupt estrogen production and impact the endocrine system. One study of cancerous breast tissue revealed parabens, but given their widespread use, they may appear in all body tissues. In lab tests, high levels of parabens have been shown to reduce sperm count in mice [source: Oishi].
Despite these concerns, parabens are still largely deemed safe in cosmetics due to the small quantities in which they are used. Though there are suspicions about their potential risks, solid evidence proving their harm is scarce. If you're concerned, consider using products that feature biodegradable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly ingredients.
