Parabens: Why This Skincare Ingredient is More Helpful Than Harmful
When it comes to skincare ingredients, parabens tend to raise a lot of eyebrows—and not in a good way. You’ve likely heard about them being “bad” or even “toxic.” But is there truth behind the paraben paranoia? Spoiler: no! In this post, let’s take a look at what parabens really are, why they’re used in skincare, and most importantly, why they’re safe and actually quite beneficial for your products. And let’s dispel the myths that started back around 2004 — including the one that got me on the “PARABENS ARE EVIL” bandwagon when the boys were babies. I have always believed that when you know better, you do better. That is why I want to be clear on paraben safety.
What Are Parabens?
Parabens are preservatives. In skincare and cosmetics, they prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. If your products are sitting in a warm, humid bathroom, parabens are the silent heroes keeping your face cream from becoming a petri dish. They’re super effective and have been around since the 1920s—so, they’ve got a long history of safe use.
There are several types of parabens used in cosmetics, including methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. They’re often used in small amounts (usually around 0.3 to 0.8%), just enough to keep your product safe from contamination but still gentle enough for your skin.
Why Are Parabens Useful in Skincare?
Imagine a cream or serum that didn’t contain any preservatives. It wouldn’t last very long—think just a few weeks or even days before it could harbor bacteria. Without preservatives like parabens, products would spoil quickly, leading to waste and potentially serious skin issues from using contaminated skincare.
Parabens are particularly good at what they do. They are:
- Stable: They keep products safe over a long period.
- Non-irritating: Parabens are generally tolerated by even sensitive skin types.
- Proven and tested: Parabens are among the most thoroughly studied preservatives on the market.
In other words, they’re reliable. For people with sensitive skin, parabens are less likely to cause irritation compared to some alternative preservatives, which often lead to more reactions or aren’t as effective at preventing contamination.
Are Parabens Really Dangerous?
The fear around parabens largely started in 2004 when a study detected parabens in breast tissue. However, this study did not prove that parabens cause breast cancer or even that they were harmful. The main concern was that parabens, in theory, could mimic estrogen—a hormone linked to breast cancer in high amounts. But here’s the thing: parabens are incredibly weak at mimicking estrogen, especially compared to naturally occurring phytoestrogens found in foods like soy. Scientific reviews since then have found no evidence that parabens in skincare products are harmful to humans. NONE.
Several regulatory agencies, including the FDA and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, have reviewed parabens multiple times. They agree that parabens, at the low levels used in cosmetics, are safe. Studies consistently show that they do not accumulate in the body or disrupt endocrine function at the doses used in skincare products.
What Does the Science Say?
- Regulatory Safety Reviews
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed parabens in 2011 and found no significant risk associated with their use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.8%. They reaffirmed this in 2018, concluding that parabens are safe in the small amounts used in cosmetics. - Comparative Studies with Other Preservatives
A study in the International Journal of Toxicology found that parabens are less likely to cause allergic reactions than many other preservatives, which are more irritating. In fact, they’re known for their low sensitization potential compared to other alternatives. - Long-Term Use and Effects
In 2019, a study published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology reviewed multiple studies and determined that parabens are not likely to cause harm and are unlikely to act as endocrine disruptors. The researchers emphasized that the levels in skincare are far below any thresholds of concern.
Why Are People Still Concerned?
A lot of the fear around parabens comes down to misinformation and marketing. “Paraben-free” labels started popping up to meet consumer demand based on unproven fears, which only made those fears seem more valid. When brands advertise “paraben-free” as if it’s a mark of safety, it implies that parabens must be dangerous. In reality, the term just became a way to capitalize on the latest trend. And I admit to being part of the problem back in my early Chic & Green days blogging about parabens. I was so swayed by what the EWG was saying and concerned about the ONE scary sounding study that I let the fear mongering cloud my own judgment.
I never used parabens on my kids. Do I use parabens now? YES. Do I buy products with parabens for my now-grown sons now? YES. One day, if I should become a grandmother, would I feel comfortable buying baby care items with parabens for my grandchildren? Absolutely, yes.
Should You Worry About Parabens?
In short, no! Parabens in your skincare are there to protect you and keep your products safe and effective. They’re among the most reliable, least irritating preservatives out there. So, the next time you see a product with parabens on the label, you can breathe easy. It’s just a classic, well-researched preservative that’s helping your favorite skincare do its job—safely and effectively.
The OSBB Bottom Line
Parabens may not sound glamorous, but they play an important role in your skincare. They’re backed by science, regulated by health authorities, and used in low amounts that are safe for your skin. So, let’s give parabens the credit they deserve. After all, a reliable preservative means a reliable product—and that’s something we all want on our shelves.
