what’s up with parabens?
learn more about parabens and their health-associated risks
Parabens are a group of compounds used as preservatives primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties.
They are found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, make up, toothpaste, and other personal care products. They are also used in topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals and as food preservatives.
In the past years, there were health controversies raised with chronic and cumulative exposure to parabens.
A study by AF Fransway MD, et al published in DERMATITIS January/February 2019 issue summarized the existing medical and scientific evidence against parabens as below:
CONTACT DERMATITIS
Parabens have been shown to have low allergenic potential. Parabens are deemed relatively nonirritating at levels used in current formulations as studied by the North American Contact Dermatitis group.
ESTROGENIC EFFECTS
Animal experiments have shown that parabens have weak estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens. There are no studies in humans confirming effects of paraben exposure.
CANCER
The American Cancer Society mentioned a 2004 study by Darbre which reported presence of parabens in the breast tissue of mastectomy patients, however study did not find parabens to be the cause of the cancers.
EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed scientific data and noted that parabens generally have low toxicity and do not cause cancers.
Studies have shown that absorbed parabens from topical application are rapidly hydrolyzed by hepatocytes and do not accumulate in human tissue to any significant degree.
Parabens have been implicated in the impairment of the reproductive system of male laboratory animals. However, antiandrogenic physiologic or developmental effect in human have not been documented whether via ingestion or percutaenous absorption of paraben.
FERTILITY
Studies on humans have not demonstrated effect of paraben on semen quality parameters or sperm DNA.
PERINATAL EXPOSURE
Maternal levels were studied and found no statistical difference with samples from their children at age 3-4years. Methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben esters have been identified in breast milk however there are lower than the allowable daily intake and deemed safe.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Cosmetic ingredients are potential emerging pollutants. Methylparaben was identified as the predominate paraben in natural waterways in a study that took samples from China, Wales, Spain, Switzerland, India, In one study that took samples 39 swimming pools in Beijing, they found 20dols higher concentration of total parabens (predominantly metyhlparaben and propylparaben) in indoor pools versus outdoor pools. The authors however assessed human exposure to parabens from swimming pool as negligible compared to total exposure dose from other sources.
Parabens are not completely removed from wastewater in the treatment plants hence an accumulation in the environment is alarming. Although presently there are limited studies and information on the effect of parabens to aquatic organisms, in contrast to benzophenone (oxybenzone).
The authors have concluded that claims regarding parabens and potential adverse health effects are premature based on currently available scientific information. Removal of parabens from consumer products could result in substitution with an alternative substance which is less proven and potentially unsafe too.
This study was published by dermatologists in the US.
REGULATION
The EU Commission Regulation No 358/2014 has banned use of the following parabens: Isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben.
The following parabens are safe and repeatedly confirmed by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS):
Methylparaben and ethylparaben are safe at maximum authorized concentrations (maximum of 0.4% for one ester, or 0.8% if in combination). Butylparaben and propylparaben are safe with maximum individual concentration of 0.19%. Butylparaben and propylparaben are prohibited in products designed for children under three years old and must have warning not to be used in the diaper area.
We hope this review clears the controversies associated with parabens. Though some of it forms are banned and deemed unsafe, other forms are with minimal health risks with no significant scientific evidence to propose discontinuation of its use. We may also choose to limit paraben exposure and choose “healthier” alternatives. Such alternatives are available at AC Skin Health.
You may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists, just follow the link.
Cheers to healthy skin!
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