Parabens
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Preservative, antimicrobial
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Cleansers, moisturizers, shampoo, serum, cream, lotion
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARABENS?
As low-cost preservatives that are compatible with multiple products, parabens were widely adopted in the cosmetic industry. However, their use remains controversial across many studies. Their major function is in antibacterial and antifungal properties while extending the shelf life of products; thus, they can prevent overgrowth of mold or bacteria that would make a cosmetic product expire or become less effective.
WHAT ARE PARABENS?
Parabens are derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acid and used primarily for their preservative role in personal care products. The major types of parabens most commonly encountered include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Based on current studies, parabens likely remain unmetabolized in the skin and can negatively influence cellular differentiation and senescence.
ARE PARABENS SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Parabens likely do not have different effects within different skin types and tones, based on available research. However, there is controversy on its use in products, as it is thought to have an estrogenic effect and may cause allergic or other reactions due to its absorption and distribution in skin and other tissues. Yet there is insufficient data to conclusively understand the role of parabens in toxicity.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Parabens have been shown to have associations with estrogen receptors, thus having pro-estrogen effects in some animal- and cell-based models. As such, they should be avoided in patients who may have a condition in which excess estrogenic effects should be contraindicated, such as breast cancer. This may be the result of chronic topical application. Further, there are reports of allergic contact dermatitis to parabens; thus patients with prior reactions to parabens should avoid use of products with parabens.
Sources:
- Al-Halaseh LK, Al-Adaileh S, Mbaideen A, et al. Implication of parabens in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals: Advantages and limitations. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(8):3265-3271.
- Hafeez F, Maibach H. An overview of parabens and allergic contact dermatitis. Skin Therapy Lett. 2013;18(5):5-7.
- Ishiwatari S, Suzuki T, Hitomi T, Yoshino T, Matsukuma S, Tsuji T. Effects of methyl paraben on skin keratinocytes. J Appl Toxicol. 2007;27(1):1-9.
- Kirchhof MG, de Gannes GC. The health controversies of parabens. Skin Therapy Lett. 2013;18(2):5-7.
- Matwiejczuk N, Galicka A, Brzóska MM. Review of the safety of application of cosmetic products containing parabens. J Appl Toxicol. 2020;40(1):176-210.
- Neri I, Laneri S, Di Lorenzo R, Dini I, Russo G, Grumetto L. Parabens Permeation through Biological Membranes: A Comparative Study Using Franz Cell Diffusion System and Biomimetic Liquid Chromatography. Molecules. 2022;27(13):4263. Published 2022 Jul 1.
- Prusakiewicz JJ, Harville HM, Zhang Y, Ackermann C, Voorman RL. Parabens inhibit human skin estrogen sulfotransferase activity: possible link to paraben estrogenic effects. Toxicology. 2007;232(3):248-256.
- Schorr WF. Paraben allergy. A cause of intractable dermatitis. JAMA. 1968;204(10):859-862.
