Are Parabens In Cosmetics Dangerous?

Are Parabens In Cosmetics Dangerous
Are parabens safe as they’re used in cosmetics? Are they linked to breast cancer or other health problems? FDA scientists continue to review published studies on the safety of parabens. At this time, we do not have information showing that parabens as they are used in cosmetics have an effect on human health.

How bad are parabens in cosmetics?

Overview – Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic and body care products since the 1920s. Since cosmetics contain ingredients that can biodegrade, these chemicals are added to prevent and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, increasing the shelf life of the product.

The concern with these chemicals is that scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation. Moreover, studies have detected parabens in nearly all urine samples taken from adults in the U.S., regardless of demographic (Ye 2006).

Given the endocrine disruption capacity and documented female and male reproductive harm, coupled with the potential for repeated lifelong exposure, it is clear that long-chain parabens (isobutyl-, butyl-, isopropyl- and propylparaben) should not be used in personal care or cosmetic products.

Can parabens be absorbed through the skin?

How People Are Exposed to Parabens – People can be exposed to parabens through touching, swallowing, or eating products that contain parabens. Many products, such as makeup, moisturizers, hair-care products, and shaving creams, contain parabens. Parabens in these products are absorbed through the skin.

Why are parabens banned in the EU?

The main concern regarding parabens in cosmetics is the potential of some of them to act like hormones in the body, in particular like estrogens, the female sex hormone. EU law allow the use of parabens in cosmetics, and one or several of them can be present in a given product.

Are parabens carcinogenic?

While some studies have reported an association between parabens and breast cancer, the FDA has noted that the parabens used in cosmetics do not have an effect on human health, at this time. Parabens are chemicals that are added to cosmetic and personal care products such as lotions, sunscreen, makeup and hair care products to increase the shelf-life of the product.

Are parabens allowed in Europe?

PARABENS Parabens are important ingredients widely used as preservatives in different types of cosmetics and personal care products. Preservatives are added to cosmetic and personal care products to reduce the risk of microbial contamination of the product and to ensure it remains suitable and safe during shelf-life and the period of its use by consumers.

Without preservative ingredients, a cosmetic product would likely pose a risk to the consumer, have a very limited shelf life and would easily spoil. Cosmetic products placed on the European Union (EU) market may only contain preservatives that are listed in Annex V (list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products) of the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, subject to conditions (e.g., concentration limits).

(see previous post ) The 4 main parabens used in cosmetic products in the EU are Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben and Butylparaben. But there are several other parabens included in Annex V of the European Cosmetic Products Regulation are: potassium ethylparaben; potassium paraben; sodium methylparaben; sodium ethylparaben; sodium paraben; potassium methylparaben; calcium paraben; hexamide diparaben; hexamide paraben; sodium propylparaben; sodium butylparaben; potassium butylparaben; potassium propylparaben.

Isobutylparaben (and salts), isopropylparaben (and salts), pentylparaben, benzylparaben, phenylparaben are included in Annex II of the Regulation, so they are not allowed in cosmetic products in the EU. PARABENS SAFETY Over the years, parabens have subjected to several safety evaluations by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

The SCCS has reviewed the scientific data on potential health effects and published its opinions regarding the safety of parabens. The main concern regarding parabens in cosmetics is the potential of some of them to act like hormones in the body, in particular like estrogens.

In its first opinion, issued in 2005 (SCCP/0873/05), the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) asked for more data on propyl, isopropyl, butyl and isobutyl paraben in order to formulate a final statement on the maximum concentration considered safe in cosmetics. In another opinion (issued on the same year, SCCP/0874/05), the SCCP addressed the relation between parabens, underarm cosmetics and breast cancer.

The Scientific Committee concluded that there was insufficient data to establish a clear link between the use of underarm cosmetics and breast cancer. In 2008 (SCCP/1183/08), the SCCP was of the opinion that, “based upon the available data, the safety assessment of Propyl and Butyl Paraben cannot be finalized yet”.

Regarding the potential endocrine modifying effects of parabens of higher chain length, concern was expressed.
Estrogenic properties of parabens seemed to increase with increasing chain length, based on in vitro and in vivo rodent test results (available at the time).
Nevertheless, the SCCS concluded in 2010 (SCCS/1348/10) that the use of Propylparaben and Butylparaben as preservatives in finished cosmetic products was safe to the consumer, as long as the sum of their individual concentrations does not exceed 0.19%.

Overall, for smaller paraben molecules (Methyl and Ethylparaben), the SCCS considers that they are safe for human health at the maximum authorized concentrations (0.4% for one ester and 0.8% when used in combination). When it comes to longer paraben molecules (Propyl and Butylparaben), the SCCS recommends a lower limit (maximum total concentration of 1.9 g/kg parabens).

Considering the potential endocrine disrupting properties of Propylparaben, the SCCS published an opinion in 2021 where it concludes that this ingredient is ” safe when used as a preservative in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 0.14% “. (see previous post ) If you wish to get more information on this or other subject, feel free to contact us at [email protected],

References:

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP). Extended Opinion on the Safety Evaluation of Parabens. SCCP/0873/05.2005.Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Opinion on Propylparaben (PP). SCCS/1623/20.2021.

Is La Roche Posay free of parabens?

Is La Roche Posay Paraben-Free? – La Roche Posay is not paraben-free, However, they do offer paraben-free options. If you search for paraben-free on their website, you’ll get a list of all products that don’t include parabens.

Are paraben free products better for the skin?

Are Parabens Safe? – Without parabens, skincare products are more likely to form harmful substances that can cause skin irritation and infection. However, these ingredients could be actually doing more harm than good. In fact, there’s still an ongoing discussion regarding the potential dangers and side effects of parabens on the skin, which divides the scientific community. Are Parabens In Cosmetics Dangerous To help you out, here’s a list of products to watch out for that potentially contain parabens on their ingredient list:

ShampoosConditionersDeodorantsEye, face, hand, body creamsEyeshadowsMascarasEyelinersFoundationsLip balmsLip glossLipsticksMoisturizersFacial cleansersFacial scrubs Facial toners SunscreensLotionsNail polishPerfumesShampoosShower gelsShaving creamsToothpasteDiet pills

How much paraben is safe?

Should you Avoid Beauty Products That Contain Parabens? – It seems there is not a simple yes or no answer to this question. Dr. Lancer recommends “Rather than being bad or good, safe paraben use is generally decided upon by the amount ingested. A product is commonly safe to use if it is composed of less than 0.5% parabens.

Broken down, having 0.4% of Ethylparaben, 0.4% of Methylparaben, or 0.2% of butylparaben + propylparaben is considered safe.
It’s important to note that parabens are some of the least allergenic preservatives available in the market.” Dr.
Dennis Gross notes that while there’s no concrete evidence, in his opinion, he believes “It’s best to play it safe and formulate products without parabens, especially because safe alternatives exist that are equally effective preservatives.” He does also add that “Some studies have shown that parabens can cause ecological harm.

Specifically, lab tests have shown that they damage coral.” So, choosing paraben-free products is also an eco-conscious choice. It’s also important to note that just because a product claims to be paraben-free, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t contain other potentially harmful ingredients that could irritate your skin. What did we learn? There’s essentially no conclusive evidence to show that the parabens used in beauty products are bad for your health. If you remain skeptical, then check the ingredients list for the parabens listed above to ensure the products you use don’t contain them. For more derm recommendations, check out their, : The Truth About Parabens: Are They Really Bad For You?

Does Vaseline have parabens in it?

Moisturizes & heals dryness. Helps protect minor cuts, scrapes & burns. Paraben/phthalate free (parabens & phthalates are not normally in this product). Hypoallergenic. Uploaded by: kirbycat on 12/21/2021

Why is Vaseline banned in Europe?

Is Vaseline Banned in France and some EU countries? – Petroleum products are not completely banned in France or the EU. This is just a myth. Remember that Petroleum byproducts are in a multitude of products we use on our skin, even in France. Through my research, I discovered that only certain types of petroleum products are banned in the EU.

Petroleum used in cosmetics and beauty products must pass stringent standards in some Europe countires. Before 2004, Eastern Block countries flooded the European Union market with low-quality petroleum jelly that contained high levels of toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer.

Consumers had no way of knowing if the products containing petroleum were low in carcinogenic PAHs so the EU’s “Dangerous Substances Directive” stepped in and banned all products containing petrolatum, aka petroleum jelly unless it was refined properly to remove toxic carcinogens and could prove the refining history.

In other words, cosmetics, beauty products and personal care products that contain petrolatum can only be sold in the EU if the Petroleum is properly refined and contains no carcinogens. According to Aiglon, the only French company in France that produces petroleum jelly for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, France has the most stringent purity requirements for petroleum Jelly in all of Europe.

Aiglon claims that its products are so pure that it’s safe for human consumption. Beauty brands such as L’Oréal and Clarins use Aiglon petroleum jelly. Petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) I couldn’t find any concrete proof, but I’m pretty sure that Vaseline’s petroleum Jelly is banned in Brick and mortar stores in France and parts of the EU due to EU regulations; however, this doesn’t explain why it’s so easy to find Vaseline made petroleum jelly on websites that operate in France and the EU.

Are parabens toxic to skin and other organs?

General Information – Parabens are short alkyl chain esters of para -hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), of which four were measured in the National Biomonitoring Program: methyl, ethyl, n -propyl, and butyl ( n – and iso -butyl) parabens. These chemicals are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and in such personal care products as shampoos, hair and shaving products, facial and skin cleansers, and lotions. The amount allowed depends on whether a mixture of parabens (up to 0.8%) or a single paraben (up to 0.4%) is used; however, amounts less than 0.3% are typically included in such products (CIR, 2008). The most frequently used parabens, methyl and n -propyl, can be added (up to 0.1%) as antimicrobials to prevent food spoilage in such items as baked goods, beverages, syrups, jellies, jams, and preserves; these parabens, as well as ethyl paraben, can be used in food packaging (Soni et al., 2001, 2002, and 2005). At maximum concentrations rarely exceeding 0.1%, parabens are allowed as preservatives in various pharmaceutical products (CIR, 2008). Parabens also occur naturally in some foods, including specific fruit juices and wine (Soni et al., 2005).Production and usage of products containing parabens can result in their release to the environment through various waste streams. Parabens do not persist in the environment, and they are degraded by photolysis in the air and biodegraded in water. General population exposure occurs with use of paraben-containing personal care products or consumption of foods or pharmaceuticals containing parabens. Dermal application of lotions and cleansers may result in small amounts of parabens being absorbed through the skin and reaching the blood stream (Janjua et al., 2008). Enzymes in the skin rapidly metabolize parabens to PHBA, the primary metabolite, reducing the dose that reaches the blood stream. Parabens penetrate the epidermis to an extent that is inversely proportional to the length of the ester side chain (e.g, in order of increasing penetration, butyl > propyl > ethyl > methyl) (CIR, 2008). When a butyl paraben-containing cream was applied to human skin, less than 1% of the dose was recovered in the urine (Janjua et al., 2008). A study found that premature infants excreted from 13 to 88% of a methyl paraben dose (used as a preservative in an intravenous medication), and most of the urinary methyl paraben was conjugated to sulfate and, to a lesser extent, glucuronide (Hindmarsh et al., 1983). In general, ingested parabens are rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, promptly hydrolyzed by the liver, and then conjugated to sulfate and glucuronide and eliminated in the urine within hours (Soni, 2001 and 2002).In animal studies, PHBA is a major metabolite of parabens, but it is also normally found in human urine as a decomposition product of the endogenous amino acid tyrosine and in a wide variety of plant foods. In vitro studies suggest that parabens may be metabolized to PHBA in the intestine and subsequently re-esterified to another paraben or to the parent paraben (Lakeram et al., 2006). Parabens do not accumulate in the skin or other body organs. Human health effects from parabens at low environmental doses or at biomonitored levels from low environmental exposures are unknown. Parabens were not found to be acutely toxic nor was toxicity noted when they were administered for several weeks by oral or intravenous routes to animals (CIR, 2008; Matthews et al., 1956). In animal studies, parabens were found to be non-allergenic, and they did not sensitize skin (Adler-Hradecky and Kelentey, 1960; Sokol, 1952). When applied topically, parabens may produce irritation in previously sensitized or damaged skin in humans and in laboratory animals; sensitized individuals may also react to parabens (Aeling and Nuss, 1974; Fisher et al., 1971; Marzulli et al., 1968; Smith, 1991). In addition, chronic skin reactions have been reported, including urticaria and angioedema (Soni et al., 2001). Despite evidence that parabens are non-allergenic, sporadic human cases have been reported of anaphylactic reactions following paraben exposure (CIR, 2008; Nagel et al., 1977). At levels producing maternal toxicity, parabens were not teratogenic in animal studies (Daston, 2004; Elder, 1984, Moriyama et al., 1975). Butyl paraben may alter male reproductive organ size and sperm numbers and activity, but animal studies have been inconsistent (Fisher et al, 1999; Oishi, 2001; Taxvig et al, 2008). Other parabens have not shown reproductive toxicity in animal studies (CIR, 2008; Shaw and deCatanzaro, 2009). The estrogenic activity of parabens is extremely weak: butyl paraben, the most potent of the group, is 10,000 to 100,000 times less potent than naturally occurring estradiol (Golden et al., 2005). Safety assessments of maximum estimated paraben exposures have concluded that estrogenic effects are unlikely in humans. (CIR, 2008; Elder, 1984; Golden, 2005; Soni et al., 2001 and 2002). Parabens were non-mutagenic in several in vitro assays, although methyl and ethyl paraben increased chromosomal abnormalities in some animal cell assays (CIR, 2008). Parabens have not been found to be animal carcinogens. Neither NTP nor IARC has evaluated parabens with respect to human carcinogenicity. The FDA classifies methyl and n -propyl paraben as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for addition to foods, up to 0.1% (21 CFR 184.1490), and allows these and butyl paraben up to specified amounts as additives and preservatives in specific foods (21 CFR 172.515) (Soni et al., 2005).

What is the difference between paraben and methylparaben?

What is methylparaben? Methylparaben is a type of paraben. Parabens are chemicals that are often used as preservatives to give products a longer shelf life. They’re added to food or cosmetics to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria. Many products that contain methylparabens also contain one or two other types of parabens in their ingredients.

How do you avoid parabens?

Studies indicate that parabens mimic estrogen in the body and affect breast cell growth. – Additionally, a 2018 study showed that adolescent girls who wear makeup daily have 20 times the amount of propylparaben detected in their urine versus those who do not or rarely wear makeup.

A Study from the University of California Berkeley found an earlier onset of puberty in girls associated with higher paraben levels. Reduce your exposure to parabens by first reading the ingredient label on the back of product packaging. Look for words ending in “paraben” such as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, and isopropylparaben and avoid products containing these.

Products within all price ranges contain parabens, even those considered “luxury” beauty brands with high price tags. Some products I have come across that contain parabens are:

Cerave hydrating facial wash Maybelline mascara Diorshow mascara Lancome mascara Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer Revlon ColorStay liquid eyeliner Stila Stay All Day liquid eyeliner Chapstick Chanel Vitalumier Aqua foundation Nars blush Laura Mercier lip glace Laura Mercier Invisible Pressed setting powder Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20056562 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jat.3027 https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1409200 https://news.berkeley.edu/2018/12/03/prenatal-exposure-to-chemicals-in-personal-care-products-may-speed-puberty-in-girls/

Are propylparaben safe?

PHBA is not regarded as toxic and would, in humans, be rapidly cleared via urine by other conjugation pathways.

Is propylparaben banned anywhere?

Banned Ingredients #3 — Propylparaben – In the United States, propylparaben is used as a preservative in tortillas, muffins, trail mix, pies, sausage rolls, and more. Research has found that it can affect sex hormones and sperm counts in young rats. Cornell University research had also indicated that exposure to parabens may be linked to breast cancer.

Environmental Working Group senior scientist Johanna Congleton, Ph.D., tells us, “It is of great concern to us that the use of an endocrine-disrupting chemical in our food is considered safe by our own government Studies show that chemicals that disrupt hormone signaling can lead to developmental and reproductive problems.” Propylparaben is totally legal in the U.S., but in 2006 the European Food Safety Authority banned the use of propylparaben in food.

And in 2015, the EU went further – also banning propylparaben from cosmetic products.

Is it OK to use La Roche-Posay?

Brand reputation – La Roche-Posay is part of the L’Oréal Group’s family of brands, alongside big names in skin care like CeraVe, Vichy, and more. In terms of reputation, our vetting process found La Roche-Posay to be a relatively tame brand — although they don’t have a Better Business Bureau score to reference.

They’re often hailed by dermatologists as a safe-to-use brand for all skin types. La Roche-Posay’s products have a mixed bag of Environmental Working Group (EWG) scores for the inclusion of ingredients the organization has deemed hazardous. Some of their products are well rated by the EWG, while others are flagged for more controversial ingredients like fragrances.

Take those with a grain of salt, however, as they also call out the use of oxybenzone, which was discontinued in 2016. It’s also worth noting that it’s questionable whether La Roche-Posay is an entirely cruelty-free brand. They only allow product testing on animals if the distributing country regulates it, but that unknown may be a deal-breaker for you.

Are methylparaben and propylparaben safe?

– Methylparaben doesn’t accumulate in the body. In fact, the body flushes the chemical out pretty quickly. Despite this, many consumers are concerned about the safety of methylparaben. These concerns have increased in light of a claimed link to cancer risk.

The FDA and other researchers are conducting studies to investigate the safety of methylparaben. So far there hasn’t been any conclusive evidence, though there have been cases of individuals who have had negative reactions. While the FDA is reviewing these studies, they haven’t yet come across anything to show that parabens are unsafe for use in cosmetics, foods, or drugs.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists methylparaben as being a low to moderate health hazard, However, the hazard is only in regards to allergic reactions or product usage exceeding the recommended level. The EWG lists methylparaben’s risk of causing cancer and reproductive toxicity at 0 percent.

What are the least harmful parabens?

Broken down, having 0.4% of Ethylparaben, 0.4% of Methylparaben, or 0.2% of butylparaben + propylparaben is considered safe.
It’s important to note that parabens are some of the least allergenic preservatives available in the market.” Dr.
Dennis Gross notes that while there’s no concrete evidence, in his opinion, he believes “It’s best to play it safe and formulate products without parabens, especially because safe alternatives exist that are equally effective preservatives.” He does also add that “Some studies have shown that parabens can cause ecological harm.

How do you avoid parabens?

A Study from the University of California Berkeley found an earlier onset of puberty in girls associated with higher paraben levels.
Reduce your exposure to parabens by first reading the ingredient label on the back of product packaging.
Look for words ending in “paraben” such as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, and isopropylparaben and avoid products containing these.

Products within all price ranges contain parabens, even those considered “luxury” beauty brands with high price tags. Some products I have come across that contain parabens are: