Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food additives, but their safety is controversial due to concerns about their estrogenic qualities. While studies have found them safe in small amounts, some individuals and companies choose to avoid them.
Parabens are a group of chemical compounds that are widely used as preservatives, especially in cosmetics. In addition to being used in cosmetics, parabens are also used by the pharmaceutical industry and sometimes even appear as food additives. Parabens have been the subject of some controversy, due to consumer concerns about their safety, which explains why it is possible to find products voluntarily labeled as ‘paraben-free’, using their ingredients as a selling point for concerned consumers.
These chemicals are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Esters are defined as chemical compounds in which an acid molecule has bonded with an alcohol molecule, displacing a water molecule. In fact, some parabens appear in nature, generated by plants as a means of defending themselves against fungal and bacterial invaders. Commercially used parabens are usually generated synthetically, ensuring that products remain consistent, so companies can be confident they will work.
Typically, the concentration of parabens in cosmetics is very low, often less than 1%. A blend of parabens can be used to create the best preservative effect, ensuring that mould, mildew, bacteria and other unwanted visitors do not contaminate a product. It is also possible to use naturally-derived preservatives, such as grape seed extract, but many of these substances have not been fully tested for efficacy, raising concerns about the safety and shelf life of products preserved with these substances.
Similarly, the concentrations of parabens in other products, such as foods and pharmaceuticals, are quite low. As a general rule, companies use a minimal amount of preservatives, using lab tests to determine the best concentration.
Health concerns about parabens primarily focus on their potential to act as estrogen compounds in the body. Substances that act like estrogen are known as estrogenic compounds and carry some health risks, especially when consumed in large quantities. Estrogens primarily impact the endocrine system, potentially creating an increased risk of cancer. People concerned about parabens say their estrogenic traits make them too dangerous for use in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
However, there have been numerous studies on this issue, both within the cosmetics industry and beyond. These studies have found that while parabens certainly have estrogenic qualities, they are likely safe in very small amounts. Individuals and companies adopting a “best practice” approach may choose to stay away from parabens, as future risks may be identified or they may bioaccumulate in the body.
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