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Parabens in Cosmetics. How dangerous are they?

Parabens have been used since 1920. As chemicals they have simple structure. Their main use is to prevent microbial growth in foods, drugs and cosmetics.

The parabens used most frequently are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl, butyl paraben, and benzylparaben. The first component of the name determines the carbon chain which differentiates them between themselves.

This class of chemicals is commonly used in cosmetics as preservatives.

The most frequently used are methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Typically, more than one of these components is contained in each product and always in combination with other preservatives. This tactic facilitates industries to have their products low in parabens, whilst achieving maximum protection from microorganisms. Preservatives are necessary in these products, to protect against microbial growth and to maintain texture.

There are products that do not contain parabens, but other types of preservatives.

One of the largest and most prestigious research studies done in the past about parabens including their use and safety was done by in 1984 by Elder. According to this study 13,200 cosmetic products at that time contained some of the known parabens or combinations of.

The investigation concluded that the products were safe for human use at levels up to 25% paraben. However, in reality amounts of 0.01 to 0.3% are contained in the products. Furthermore, based on studies parabens act similarly to estrogens. However, the estrogenic action was much smaller than that of estrogen naturally found in our bodies. Since then, many studies have come to light, such as the possibility that parabens can act cooperatively when we are exposed to chemicals that contain estrogen. In vitro studies have shown that they can increase the growth of cancerous cells in the breast, as do estrogen. But there is no reason for concern, due to the low content of parabens in products.

A recent survey discovered that 5 of the 6 widely used parabens, found intact (without being metabolized or chemically altered) in human tissues, which originated from tumors removed from breasts.

This study received the lion's share of global interest. However, this study was rigorously objected by the academic sector because of serious omissions. Thus, the scientists concluded that it requires further investigation.

The above investigations forced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to put out a notice (03/24/2006), that currently there is no worry to consumers of using products that contain parabens and that have been approved for circulation. Like the European Agency, so the FDA and CIR (agency responsible for the composition of cosmetic products) with their statement, will continue to analyze data from previous and subsequent studies to inform the public.

Particularly dermocosmetics available in pharmacies belonging to the  hypoallergenic product category, there are stricter controls keeping the content of parabens at the lowest possible level.

Most of the time, the content of parabens in products is the same as in drugs.