Parabens: Cause for concern?

Increasingly, cosmetics and skincare products are being advertised to be “paraben-free”. Today, I took a quick look at the ingredients in my shampoo, conditioner, body wash and some skin care products – no parabens in them, even though I haven’t been actively looking out for paraben-free products. But what are parabens, and why the concern over their use?

A simple Google search yielded many useful articles about parabens, and among them is an article from the FDA containing information to answer enquiries about the safety of parabens used in cosmetics.

To summarize, parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and they are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics as well as in food and drugs. Methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are the most commonly used.

Chemical structure of parabens

So, why the health scare over parabens? All the websites I’ve visited quoted the famous 2004 study by Darbre, and here I quote from the FDA article:

“A study published in 2004 (Darbre, in the Journal of Applied Toxicology) detected parabens in breast tumors. The study also discussed this information in the context of the weak estrogen-like properties of parabens and the influence of estrogen on breast cancer. However, the study left several questions unanswered. For example, the study did not show that parabens cause cancer, or that they are harmful in any way, and the study did not look at possible paraben levels in normal tissue.”

But, the FDA also assures consumers that the estrogen-like activity of parabens (which could potentially be linked to cancers) is very, very low. Furthermore, parabens are used in very low levels in cosmetics. Presently, the FDA believes that there is no cause for concern over cosmetics containing parabens.

Well, the article by FDA was written in October, 2007. Almost six years have passed now, so let’s take a look at the current perspective on parabens.

Parabens and breast cancer

After the 2004 study by Darbre, no other significant studies have tried to link parabens to breast cancer. A 2010 literature review concluded that there is no link between parabens and breast cancer.^[2]

Effect of parabens in men

Due to concerns about the estrogen-like activity of parabens, the effect of parabens on the male reproductive system has also been studied. However, animal studies in mice and rats have shown conflicting results on the reproductive effects of parabens. In humans, a study in men with fertility problems showed no correlation between sperm count/motility and paraben levels.^[3]

Paraben allergy

Though uncommon (in 0.5 to 3.5% of the population), parabens can cause allergies in some people. The allergic reaction usually appears as an eczema-like rash. Compared to other preservatives, the rates of paraben allergy are among the lowest.^[3]

The move away from paraben-containing products has led to the emergence of a wide range of alternative cosmetic products that paraben-allergic patients can turn to. However, replacing parabens with other preservatives may well lead to the placing on the market of products whose toxicity and allergenicity are not as well-documented.[4]

Current Government and Regulatory Control of Parabens^[3]

·       In the European Union (EU):  Parabens can be safely used in cosmetic products at concentrations of 0.4% for any individual paraben and 0.8% for total paraben concentrations.

·       In Denmark: In 2011, the use of parabens was banned in personal care products intended for children younger than 3 years of age.

·       In the United States: the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has recommended the same maximum paraben concentrations as legislated by the EU. However, the CIR recommendations are only guidelines, not laws.

·       In Canada: Likewise, Health Canada agrees with the FDA and the CIR in regards to the safety of parabens and the adoption of maximum concentration guidelines. However, these are also recommendations, not laws.

Conclusion

From the current data available, it appears that parabens are still considered safe for use within the recommended limits. However, as a marketing strategy, many cosmetic and skincare companies are moving away from parabens and into more "natural" alternatives. With "natural" alternatives, there may be a higher risk of microbial contamination (germs!) and greater care must be taken to adhere to expiration dates. 

References:

1.      http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/selectedcosmeticingredients/ucm128042.htm

2.   Witorsch & Thomas. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2010 Nov;40 Suppl 3:1-30.

3.       Kirchhof & de Gannes. Skin Therapy Lett. 2013 Feb;18(2):5-7.

4.       Castelain & Castelain. Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Nov-Dec;22(6):723-7