If you’re a skincare enthusiast like me, it might be tough to remember the last time you didn’t see the words “paraben-free” on the labels of your products. When I first encountered this phrase, I remember thinking, “Wow, parabens must be pretty bad then, huh?” I’m not ashamed to admit that this thought crossed my mind without actually knowing what parabens were. Given the purpose of these labels, it’s understandable that I (or anyone) would assume that parabens were unsafe or harmful.
The truth is that these labels are the result of marketing, not genuine worries about paraben safety. The health, wellness, and beauty sectors are rife with fear-mongering and chemical phobia, leading consumers to question the safety of their products and purchase “clean” alternatives. And while these alternatives are usually more costly, there is no proof that they are safer or more effective.
What are Parabens?
To put it simply, parabens are preservatives. To be more specific, parabens are a group of synthetic chemicals derived from a substance called para-hydroxybenzoic acid (also known as p-hydroxybenzoic acid or PHBA).
Parabens are among the most commonly used preservatives. They prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, yeast, and other microorganisms. Typically used to help extend the shelf life of beauty, hygiene, and pharmaceutical products, parabens can also be found in food. They occur naturally in blueberries, olives, carrots, strawberries, cucumbers, and grapes.
Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
How Do Parabens Work?
Certain parabens inhibit bacteria’s ability to absorb amino acids and other essential substances needed for energy production. Others interfere with proper cell wall formation, preventing bacteria from proliferating or surviving.
To enhance a product’s efficacy, many manufacturers combine two or more types of parabens. When working together, they are more effective at inhibiting bacterial development.
Parabens and Your Health
Over the years, some publications have suggested a link between parabens and cancer. According to some studies, parabens may have a minor endocrine or estrogenic disruptive effect. To put it plainly, some findings indicate that parabens can cause cancer by mimicking the effects of estrogen, the female sex hormone.
However, most scientists agree that there is no hormone-disrupting effect from the use of parabens in cosmetic and personal care products. Overall, research has not been conducted on humans, and only shows results when test subjects are given unusually large doses of parabens. Quite simply, the quantities of parabens tested in this type of research are far higher than what any human would be exposed to in real-world situations or even after repeated use.
On the whole, the scientific community has dismissed these studies, and researchers who routinely examine the effects of commercial products on humans have found no direct link between parabens and cancer.
Why All the Fuss?
So why are parabens thought to be harmful if studies show they aren’t? First and foremost, sensationalized headlines used by the media to publish scientific research may have caused unnecessary anxiety. In addition, cosmetic manufacturers have capitalized on safety concerns by marketing paraben-free products, allowing myths and rumors to circulate and spread. Lastly, the idea that parabens are prohibited outside of the US is another fallacy surrounding them. In actuality, parabens have been approved for use in cosmetics by governments all over the world, including the United States, the European Union, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
Paraben Alternatives
While there are alternatives to parabens, most are considered less effective at keeping your skincare and other hygiene products safe. Experts have raised concerns that formulations using paraben substitutes (such as potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate) may not be effective protection against all types of microorganisms.
In addition, some paraben alternatives (like alcohol and citric acid) need to be used in considerable quantities to work efficiently. Large amounts of these ingredients are likely to cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision to use or not use products containing parabens lies with the consumer. In the meantime, researchers continue to investigate the long-term impact that parabens may have on human health. For more information about parabens, check out these links: