‘Parabens’ is used to refer to a group of chemicals, mostly synthetic, that are commonly found in health, beauty and personal care products. They act as a form of preservative, preventing the growth of potentially harmful microbes such as bacteria or fungus, thereby increasing shelf-life. Parabens allow skin care products to survive for months or even years in your medicine cabinet; however, they also enter your body through your skin when you use these products. Parabens usually show up on products’ ingredients lists as:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Phenylparaben
- Benzylparaben or
- Pentylparaben
Breast Cancer
Scientific research has linked the use of parabens to a multitude of health problems. Among those that generated widespread debate was the link of parabens to breast cancer. Research published in 2004 claim to have detected traces of parabens in the breast tumours of 19 out of 20 women studied1. This was further supported by a 2013 study by University of Reading stating that “parabens at concentrations measured in human breast tissue can increase proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.”2
That said, the study remained cautious about establishing a direct relationship between parabens and breast cancer, citing “the complex interactions with endogenous hormones which may together alter endocrine homeostasis in the human breast with potential to lead to cancer development.”3 This suggests the possibility of other factors and a need for further research and study.
Decreased Sperm Levels
Parabens can also adversely affect the male reproductive system. In a study by the Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, researchers administered parabens to three-week-old rats. After four weeks, researchers examined the rats and found their sperm production significantly decreased in relation to the amount of parabens they had received. The rats who received the highest dose of parabens, which was consistent with the daily acceptable intake of parabens in Europe and Japan, showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration.
Other Risk
Other than the risk of breast cancer & decreased sperm levels, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics warns that “daily application… can lead to increased concentrations of methylparaben because it is not completely metabolised.” This may explain why higher levels of methylparaben and propylparaben have been found in the urine samples of adolescent and adult females, compared to their male counterparts.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also cites studies that suggest that “parabens combined with other estrogenic chemicals may potentially influence the development of malignant melanoma, one form of skin cancer”, while other research has linked the exposure of isobutylparaben during pregnancy to anxiety and behavioral issues in the offspring.
What should I look out for as a consumer?
As a general rule, avoid products that contain parabens. Make an effort to read product ingredient lists, looking out for substances ending with ‘-paraben’. Many brands and products today, including Banyan Tree, are proudly paraben-free, so seeking these products out would be a good start to making more conscious decisions.
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1 Dubs, Z. (2017, June 15). What Are Parabens? The Truth About Skincare’s Biggest Bad Guy. Retrieved May 28, 2018, from https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/articles/a36356/what-are-parabens/
2 Charles, A. K., & Darbre, P. D. (2013). Combinations of parabens at concentrations measured in human breast tissue can increase proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 33(5), 390-398. doi:10.1002/jat.2850
3 Darbre, P. D., Aljarrah, A., Miller, W. R., Coldham, N. G., Sauer, M. J., & Pope, G. S. (2004). Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 24(1), 5-13. doi:10.1002/jat.958
4 https://healthfully.com/what-are-the-dangers-of-parabens-in-skin-care-4621175.html
5 Parabens. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2018, from http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/parabens/
