Parabens
Cheap preservatives with weak oestrogenic activity; the longer-chain versions are the ones worth avoiding.
Also listed as: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben
What it is
Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid used to stop mould and bacteria growing in water-containing cosmetics. They are effective, inexpensive and used at 0.01–0.3%.
Why it's worth avoiding
Butyl- and propylparaben bind weakly to oestrogen receptors, and their long-chain structure makes them more bioactive than the short-chain versions. Cumulative exposure across many daily products is the concern, not any single product.
What the evidence says
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reduced permitted butyl- and propylparaben levels to 0.14% in 2014 and banned five rarely-used parabens outright. Methyl- and ethylparaben are considered safe at current use levels by the same committee.
How it's regulated
Banned in the EU: isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl- and pentylparaben. Denmark banned propyl- and butylparaben in products for children under three. Most 'paraben-free' claims are marketing rather than regulatory.
Label clues
- Any ingredient ending in '-paraben'
- Long-shelf-life water-based creams with no alternative preservative listed
- 'Preservative system' with no named components
Safer swaps
- Sodium benzoate + potassium sorbate systems
- Benzyl alcohol / dehydroacetic acid blends
- Anhydrous (waterless) balms and oils that need no preservative
- Smaller batch sizes with a short period-after-opening symbol
Where it shows up
Frequently asked
Are all parabens dangerous?+
No. Methyl- and ethylparaben have a long safety record at permitted levels. The evidence of concern is concentrated on butyl- and propylparaben, especially for infants.
Is preservative-free better?+
Only for waterless products. A water-based cream with no preservative can grow bacteria and mould within weeks, which is a bigger and more immediate risk.