These contentious compounds, which belong to a class of preservatives intended to guard cosmetics against the growth of bacteria and fungi, have been proven to have weak estrogenic activities. However, when used in cosmetics at extremely low concentrations—between .01 and 0.3 per cent—they are harmless. Learn more by reading this article!
What are PARABENS?
The skincare and cosmetics industries are no strangers to parabens. In personal care items, food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, parabens are synthetic chemicals that extend a product’s shelf life by thwarting the growth of dangerous bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
The majority of parabens are found in 85% of cosmetic, personal care, and health goods and are frequently referred to as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, or isobutyl parabens. These little superheroes may be extending the shelf life of your products, but they may also be your skin’s and body’s worst enemy.
Why are they ‘controversial’?
Despite the fact that they don’t build up in the body and are rather flushed out quite rapidly, methylparaben safety concerns among consumers have grown as a result of a purported link to an elevated risk of developing cancer.
Although there have been examples of people having adverse reactions, there hasn’t been any solid proof to yet that parabens are dangerous for usage in foods, medicines, or cosmetics. However, other studies indicate it to be low to moderate health risk, and that too just when it comes to allergic responses or using the product more than is advised.
Although research is ongoing, there is presently no official warning against using methylparaben-containing products.
