In the realm of skin, parabens are always depicted as the notorious evil that can harm your skin. You might wonder: If they’re really so bad, why are they used in various personal care products and food items? Are there any benefits of using them, and is paraben good for skin? This blog will quench all our queries. Scroll down to learn what are parabens and their effects on our health.
What Are Parabens?
Parabens are considered the most frequent chemical preservatives in various cosmetic products to increase their shelf life. Almost every cosmetic product contains these preservatives, such as moisturizers, serums, shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, etc. These preservatives hinder bacterial and mold growth in the product. Products containing these chemicals can last for months and even years. As you’ve learned what are parabens, let’s look at some of their types.
The common paraben types used in cosmetics are:
- Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Methylparaben
You most likely read these names on the list of ingredients of most cosmetic and skin care products. One or more types of these chemicals can be present in a single product. They are usually used in combination with other preservatives to ensure that they can protect the product from a wide range of bacteria and microbes. Now that we have covered paraben meaning, let’s find out the answer to, “Is paraben good for skin or not?”
Are Parabens Harmful for Skin?
As per the Journal of Applied Toxicology, using a single cosmetic product may not be so harmful to the skin. However, excessive use of various paraben-containing skincare and beauty products can have potential side effects. Read the following list to learn more about the paraben-related effects and check the detailed answer to “Is paraben harmful?”:
- Researchers found out that your skin can easily absorb parabens, and they can also stay in your body tissues and fluids. In the studies, they have been detected in breast milk, serum, urine, and seminal fluid.
- They have been detected in the breast tissues of women who suffer from breast cancer. A hypothesis relates the increase in cases along the lateral upper breast region to breast cancer with the possible use of underarm deodorants that contain these chemicals. So, if you were wondering, “Can parabens cause cancer?” The answer is yes.
- These chemicals can have the potential of estrogen in your body. They bind the estrogen receptors in your body and have a higher oestrogenic activity in the human body. This oestrogenic activity may lead to breast cancer development.
- They can elevate cellular level damage caused by UV exposure, possibly leading to skin cancer.
- They can also sensitize the skin, which appears to be an allergic reaction. One study found that applying an antifungal agent, ethylparaben, at a concentration of 5% on human skin led to contact dermatitis.
So, if you have been wondering, “Is paraben harmful?” The answer is yes. They are bad for you when used excessively in the long run. For all these reasons, many cosmetic and skincare brands switched to “paraben-free” products. But even if those products are labeled free of those chemicals, they still contain preservatives. Therefore, the concentration of each paraben in different products is regulated by many regulatory bodies in various countries.
What Are the Alternatives to Parabens?
There are some safe options that can be used instead of harmful types of paraben. The two safer preservatives are:
- Organic Acids: Salicylic acid, sorbic acid, and benzoic acid are widely used in multiple types of skin care products and are known for their antimicrobial effects. These are, however, limited properties; the substances may only show antifungal effects, but not any antibacterial effect, and a change in pH can result in progressive loss of such effects.
- Phenoxyethanol: This is one of the best cosmetic preservatives that can be tolerated. It has an excellent antimicrobial scope and has been found to kill yeast and bacteria. However, it’s not as strong an antifungal agent.
Key Takeaways
Parabens are a kind of chemical preservative used in cosmetics. Unfortunately, they are found in many different beauty products and contribute to significant health issues such as cancer and cellular damage. Note that a ‘paraben-free’ label doesn’t make the product chemical-free. There are some remaining preservatives in it. To be on the safe side, one can go through the number of these preservatives that exist in the products being used and maintain it at the least possible number.
