Parabens are one of the most common preservatives present in make-up and personal care products. These have been used for over last 40 years. But in the past few years, a lot of concerns are being raised over the safety of these products.
In this post, we would discuss about parabens, risks involved with their use and alternatives to them.
Why are preservatives used in personal care products?
Whether it is a cleanser, lotion, toner, blush, foundation, or mascara, without preservatives these everyday items would become overloaded with bacteria and fungus, making them harmful to your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Preservatives in personal care products are an important ingredient, as they inhibit growth of bacteria, fungus or other microbes, especially in moist warm environment of bathrooms. They also help in lengthening the shelf life of these products.
What exactly are parabens?
Parabens are among the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetic products. Besides inhibiting growth of microbes, parabens also maintain integrity of cosmetic products and prevent them from decomposition. Chemically, parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product. Combination of different preservatives provide a broad spectrum protection against microbes and also allow lower levels of each in the product.
What the common products containing parabens?
Cosmetics that may contain parabens include makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, among others. About 85% of cosmetics have parabens as they are inexpensive and very effective. These have been used in products to prevent microbial growth since 1950s.
A popular skin cream containing parabens, and a newer one that is paraben-free.
What are the side effects and risks of using parabens?
- Parabens have weak ability to mimic female sex hormones (estrogen). They may interfere with the functioning of endocrine system. Most important concern is reports claiming parabens to have a role in causation of breast cancer and male infertility. Recent researches have shown that Parabens can be absorbed from the skin, leading to unwanted adverse effects. Moreover, sample from breast cancer tissue revealed the presence of Parabens. On receiving such alarming reports, US & European drug controller agencies evaluated the safety of Parabens and concluded them to be safe at current exposure levels. Extensive studies to substantiate the claim are still going on.
- Parabens causes allergy in damaged skin and not in intact skin. Thus, patients who are suffering form any kind of skin disorder should avoid parabens.
- In a few studies, it was found that methylparaben may increase sensitivity to and damage from the ultraviolet rays of sun. It may influence the differentiation of skin cells and promote aging.
What are the alternatives to parabens?
As there is lack of firm evidence that parabens pose a health risk, the drug control agencies have claimed it to be safe at current exposure levels. But the possibility of serious health risks have already alarmed the consumers, so many drug companies have come up with paraben-free alternatives. Preservatives such as Phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, Neolone, OptiphenPlus, Hydantoin, Glycacil, Natrulon and benzethonium chloride are all paraben-free. These alternatives are used in different combinations to come up with new blends so as to cater rising need of safer cosmetic products.
What should we prefer?
As parabens use is so widespread, it is almost difficult to avoid them altogether. Thus, we recommend to minimise their use as far as possible. It is always preferable to use Paraben free products until some substantial data proves them to be free of health hazards. You should always look on the label of your item for the following ingredients: methylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben, or butylparaben. Nowadays many companies are specifically mention on their label as “Paraben free” product.
Many cosmetic products labeled as “Paraben free” have already entered the market and are increasingly being used. Only long term use of the paraben alternatives would really prove them to be an advantage over parabens in terms of safety and effectiveness. Till then we can accept the hype created around parabens.
Dr Monika Misra
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