What do you know about parabens?

Anubhav Raj, Director -Operations (Asia Pacific), Asia Research Partners LLP, sorts out the myths and facts about parabens in beauty products.

Parabens are chemical preservatives that are used in many cosmetics and food products.

They are known to be quite harmful to both human beings and the environment, and yet they are still being used in many products around the world. The important questions surrounding paraben-free cosmetics are: Do they work?

Are they safe to use? While some studies have shown that parabens are safe to use, others have shown that they can be quite harmful to human health.

The beauty industry is constantly evolving - department store make-up counters are stocked with a variety of offerings to suit every person’s taste and preferences, each claiming to be paraben-free for maximum health benefits.

Paraben-free products are often considered to be ‘safer’ than their counterparts. But what are parabens, and what are their effects on the human body? Parabens are a group of chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetic products, food, and beverages. They are used to fight the growth of bacteria, fungus and yeast, and help preserve the product for a longer period. The most common parabens are methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.

Here is the expert opinion of Anubhav Raj, Director -Operations (Asia Pacific), Asia Research Partners LLP…

What is paraben-free beauty and why should you be aware?

The term ‘parabens’ can be used to identify products that are cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and do not contain a wide range of substances to which many people may have a sensitivity, such as certain colours or fragrances. Parabens are the most important active agent in formulating cosmetics. It is often used as an emulsifier. Formulators of cosmetics usually use other chemical compounds instead, but then they will have parabens at some level in the product, just not high enough levels to cause sensitivity.

What are the main cons of paraben-free cosmetics?

Parabens are a group of chemical compounds that are used as preservatives in many cosmetic products, including lotions, make-up and hair care products.

Parabens are not easily absorbed by the skin and get washed off with water.

Parabens have been used in cosmetics since the 1920s, and they are effective in killing bacteria, which helps prevent the spread of infection.

What are the alternatives to avoid using parabens?

Parabens are chemicals used extensively to prolong the shelf life of cosmetic products and provide antifungal and antibacterial properties. This led many people to revert to old ways of buying products that don’t contain parabens which have drastically affected business for beauty suppliers worldwide.

There is a growing concern about the potential health hazards associated with this ingredient. Most of the concern about parabens is caused by the possibility of interaction with oestrogen and the known relationship between oestrogen and breast cancer.

While some research supports the use of parabens, other studies have found them to be harmful to humans. For example, parabens have been found to increase the risk of breast cancer, as well as increase the growth of breast cancer tumours.

Some people are allergic to parabens. They may experience the following symptoms: redness, irritation, itchy skin, flaking, and hives.

Currently, the FDA does not have any regulations concerning parabens. There’s no need for cosmetics to go through FDA testing or approval before going on the market, and preservative ingredients (including parabens) aren’t treated any differently than other cosmetic ingredients.

Is there anything you should look for on a label?

Paraben-free products will typically have a label that states ‘free from parabens’ or ‘0 per cent parabens’ on the packaging.

● If you have any doubts about a product’s paraben status, look at its ingredients list on the back. It is composed of methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, which are three of the most commonly used parabens.

● Parabens can also be detected in isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben.

‘Parahydroxybenzoate’ is another name for parabens. It is widely believed parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics because they offer longterm protection against bacteria, mould and yeast.

These natural substances work so well that some also believe they can cure ageing by killing off old cells. However, there have been some recent studies indicating the use of these chemicals may have a negative impact on health if you are in regular contact with them via your daily beauty routine. Currently, no FDA regulation limits the amount of parabens used in cosmetic products - raising concerns that despite our lack of knowledge; these substances are being overused - and could lead to health issues in time. PBHJ