There’s a lot of misinformation about parabens out there, and you may have heard that they should be avoided. In fact, multiple scientific bodies have deemed them safe. However, if you’d prefer to avoid them, there are plenty of paraben-free products available. Just keep in mind that it’s likely they will contain other forms of preservatives, instead.
What are parabens?
Parabens are preservatives found in a range of skincare, cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products. They also occur naturally in many fruits, such as blueberries, cocoa and onions. The parabens most commonly used in skincare are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. To be clear – preservatives themselves are not bad. In fact, most skincare products require preservatives to help prevent bacteria and other organisms growing and spoiling products.
Why do people worry about them?
Parabens became controversial when some research suggested they could cause health problems. However, the evidence is not sound, and many large organisations including the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and the Therapeutic Goods Administration, have deemed parabens in cosmetics and skincare to be safe. If you choose products without parabens, it’s likely they will contain other preservatives instead. Parabens are a rare cause of allergic reactions. If you think you could be allergic to parabens, it may be worth seeing a health professional to be tested.
