You’ve probably encountered warnings about being cautious with the chemicals in your personal care products, and parabens are a staple on those lists. Here’s what you need to know:
Parabens are a class of preservatives that are commonly employed in cosmetic formulations. Their effectiveness as preservatives allows products to have an extended shelf life—both on store shelves and in your bathroom cabinet. Primarily valued for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties, parabens are present in a wide array of cosmetic and personal care items, including shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, spray tanning solutions, makeup, and toothpaste.
The most frequently used parabens in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, products contain multiple parabens, often combined with other types of preservatives to ensure protection against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. This strategic combination allows for lower concentrations of parabens while enhancing overall preservative effectiveness.
While the FDA does not have the authority to regulate cosmetic ingredients (aside from color additives), their website states, “it is against the law to market a cosmetic in interstate commerce if it is adulterated. Under the FD&C Act, a cosmetic is considered adulterated if, among other reasons, it contains any poisonous or harmful substance that could render it dangerous when used as directed or under typical conditions of use.”
So, what’s driving the controversy?
In the 1990s, parabens were classified as xenoestrogens—substances that can mimic estrogen in the body. Concerns about “estrogen disruption” have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. In 2004, British cancer researcher Philippa Darbre published groundbreaking research that detected parabens in breast tumors. However, her study did not establish that parabens were the cause of cancer, nor did it investigate possible paraben levels in healthy tissue. Consequently, experts in various countries are now advocating for restrictions on paraben levels in cosmetic products. Additionally, some individuals are concerned that if parabens accumulate in the body over time, they might pose a cumulative health risk.
What steps should you take? We believe there’s enough information available to warrant caution regarding parabens in your skincare routine. If the thought of abandoning all your beloved products feels overwhelming, begin with a switch to a paraben-free body lotion, which is often applied frequently and over large areas of skin. If you’re committed to going paraben-free, be mindful that truly preservative-free products should be used within their “use by” dates to avoid potential contamination from bacteria or mold—neither of which is something you want on your skin!
As always, I’m here to discuss your skincare concerns and preferences. For any questions regarding parabens or any other aspect of your skincare regimen, feel free to schedule your next appointment at www.privyskincare.com, or call me at 702.496.2066.