Ethylparaben is a common preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food, but has been found in breast cancer tumors. While considered safe in low concentrations, some studies suggest a link to breast cancer. The FDA found that parabens can mimic estrogen, but this effect is negligible. Manufacturers are reducing their use of synthetic preservatives, and many products are marketed as paraben-free. Ethylparaben-related compounds are also used as fungicides. Attempts to replace ethylparaben have led to the development of phenoxyethanol, which has broader risks and potential toxicity to the immune system and non-reproductive organs.
Ethylparaben is an ethyl ester of hydroxybenzoic acid. Hydroxybenzoic acid compounds are more commonly known as parabens, used as a preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and as a food additive to inhibit the growth of fungi. Parabens have also been found in breast cancer tumors. While considered safe in the very low concentrations of 0.04% to 0.08% typically used in products, several studies suggest a link between parabens and breast cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has found that parabens have the ability to mimic the female hormone estrogen in the human body. Evidence suggests, however, that this effect is negligible and does not increase natural estrogen levels. Despite such positive scientific findings on the safety and tolerance of ethylparaben at currently used concentration levels, it is one of many synthetic preservatives that manufacturers are trying to reduce their use. Many cosmetic products are now being marketed as paraben-free to avoid any possible danger posed by chemicals.
Several ethylparaben-related compounds are also used as fungicide-based preservatives. Methylparaben is a related chemical preservative that is often used to inhibit the growth of Drosophila larva, commonly known as the fruit fly, in foods. Propylparaben is another paraben-related compound used as a fungicide, with the unique characteristic of being a naturally occurring chemical found in many plants and some insect species. Butylparaben is often used in medicine as another derivative of the paraben family of compounds.
The controversy over the safety of ethylparaben-containing products may continue for some time as studies on its adverse effects are small and limited in scope. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that 60 percent of breast cancers were concentrated in a small area near the armpit, where deodorant is most often applied. Of the 20 cases of breast malignancies studied, 18 had high concentrations of parabens in the tumor cells.
Attempts to replace ethylparaben in industries that rely on it have led to the development of phenoxyethanol, which serves as both a preservative and an ingredient in fragrances. Paradoxically, phenoxyethanol appears to have broader risks than ethylparaben and the other parabens it is designed to replace. Warnings have been issued on creams that contain phenoxyethanol for its potential toxicity to the immune system and non-reproductive organs. In Japan and the European Union there are restrictions on the use and labeling of products containing phenoxyethanol. Studies in Canada for its tendency to bioaccumulate in the human body, however, have shown no risk.
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