Toxic Effects of Paraben and its Relevance in Cosmetics: A Review

Abstract

Parabens can be found in a wide variety of products, depending on the range, including cosmetics. Because of its extensive application as a preservative in skin care and beauty products. Parabens' odorless, colorless, tasteless, and hygroscopic tiny crystals/powders quality make them freely soluble in propylene glycol, alcohol, glycerin, and ether, whereas in water, it is almost insoluble or very slightly soluble in nature. Integrating the use of paraben as a preservative fosters an implication of its antimicrobial property, delivering the needed optimal and maximum effect in the production setting. However, the benefit of paraben also undermines its side effects and toxic effects in the human body. This article provides insight on paraben's relevance in the cosmetic and beauty industry, highlights how paraben works as a preservative, explains its side effects and its toxic effects in the human body.

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International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 3, no 5, pp 3425-3466, May 2022
International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews
Journal homepage: www.ijrpr.com ISSN 2582-7421
Toxic Effects of Paraben and its Relevance in Cosmetics: A Review
Pierce Adrianne A. Alaba, Edjay D. Cañete, Bin Salih S. Pantalan, Joanna Marie C. Taguba,
Lovely Dianne I. Yu, Erwin M. Faller
Pharmacy Department, San Pedro College, Davao City, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Parabens can be found in a wide variety of products, depending on the range, including cosmetics.
Because of its extensive application as a preservative in skin care and beauty products. Parabens’
odorless, colorless, tasteless, and hygroscopic tiny crystals/powders quality make them freely soluble
in propylene glycol, alcohol, glycerin, and ether, whereas in water, it is almost insoluble or very
slightly soluble in nature. Integrating the use of paraben as a preservative fosters an implication of its
antimicrobial property, delivering the needed optimal and maximum effect in the production setting.
However, the benefit of paraben also undermines its side effects and toxic effects in the human body.
This article provides insight on paraben’s relevance in the cosmetic and beauty industry, highlights
how paraben works as a preservative, explains its side effects and its toxic effects in the human body.
Keywords: Parabens, toxicology, cosmetics, preservatives
INTRODUCTION
Synthetic preservatives known as parabens are widely utilized in beauty products, pharmaceuticals,
and food sectors (US FDA, 2022). Parabens have been extensively employed as a go-to preservative
in a variety of items since the 1950s. These have been employed by the skincare and cosmetics
industries because they are affordable and effective. By the 1990s, parabens had been labeled as
xenoestrogens. These are substances that act like hormones in the body, causing estrogen disruption.
When you use cosmetics that include these ingredients, they will surely absorb into your skin,
sending estrogen into your body unintentionally. This might expose people to specific health
concerns over time (Aker, et.al, 2016). Their primary goal is to preserve the microbiological purity
of chosen items, such as cosmetics, medications, and food, in order to extend their shelf life.

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Parabens prevent items against degradation and microbes, increasing their shelf life by many months
without affecting their composition or functionality. Parabens have little effect on the scent, taste,
density, or other properties of cosmetics or food. However, parabens, which are included in most
creamy or liquid cosmetics (facial creams, moisturizers, foundation, tinctures, balms, antiperspirants,
and fragrances), are becoming more problematic due to a lengthy list of potential negative effects
(US FDA, 2022). Parabens are made from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), which may be found
in a variety of natural plants (Cherian, et.al, 2020). In reality, parabens are a group of several
compounds that have a common molecular structure. Ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben,
isopropylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben are all often found in cosmetics and personal
care products (Reeder & Atwater, 2019). Parabens have been a controversial issue after they were
discovered in the cells of breast cancer patients, their usage became very contentious. Parabens were
discovered to have an effect on hormone function in early studies. Cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid,
and immunological function may all be affected. The usage of parabens has also been linked to
allergies, obesity, and infertility (Barabasz, et.al, 2019 ). The FDA declared that the use of methyl-
and propyl parabens in foods and beverages up to 0.1 % was safe (Becker & Heldreth, 2018).
Parabens are found in cosmetics in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 0.3%. These chemicals are safe in
levels up to 25%, according to the CIR (Becker, 2022).
METHODS
The review about parabens was from data gathered from journal databases and from publicly
available sources like PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Sciencedirect, Elsevier, FDA news
sites, MDPI and Open access journals. Articles that were deemed relevant to the topic and are timely
published were included in this review. There were no requirements for article format. As a result,
any relevant literature was evaluated, including research on clinical trials, thorough reviews, editorial
articles, and news coinciding with the central theme of the study.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Parabens are odorless, colorless, tasteless, and hygroscopic tiny crystals/powders. These compounds
are freely soluble in propylene glycol, alcohol, glycerin, and ether, whereas in water, it is almost
insoluble or very slightly soluble. Water solubility diminishes as the length of the alkyl chain
lengthens. Parabens also have high oil in water partition coefficient. They are relatively resistant to
saponification and are stable in hydrolysis when autoclaving (Cherian,et.al, 2020).

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The kind of alkyl group distinguishes the parabens, affecting their water solubility and antibacterial
effectiveness. The antibacterial efficacy of parabens increases as the alkyl chain length increases, but
in turn diminishes its water solubility (Lincho, et.al, 2021). They are chemically stable lipophilic
compounds with poor to extremely weak water solubility depending on chain length (Wzorek &
Nowak, 2019). Moreover, parabens are intriguing substances because they are inert, possess low
frequency of sensitization, stability and capacity to not change product consistency or color, no odor
or taste, and their water solubility, which is adequate enough to create solutions (Lincho, et.al, 2021).
Because they do not change product consistency, the characteristics of foods and cosmetics including
its smell and density remains unchanged too.
Table 1. General Physicochemical Properties of Parabens (Wzorek & Nowak, 2019)

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Parabens and its applications
Parabens can be found in a wide range of products such as cosmetics, foods and pharmaceuticals. In
the food industry, parabens are mainly used as preservatives because of their good antimicrobial
properties, low production costs, and chemical stability (Lincho, et.al, 2021). Hair care products,
makeup, shaving products, and moisturizers are among the cosmetics that may contain parabens.
Many major deodorant brands do not include parabens at this time, while others do (US FDA, 2022).
In addition, these are also used in leave-on, rinse-off, and bath formulations. Many kinds of parabens
were found in products that can be accidentally ingested like lipstick. These are also seen in mascara,
creams, lotions, and cosmetic sprays and face powders which can be possibly inhaled (Becker,
2022).
Parabens: How does it work as preservative?
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics to avoid growth of bacteria and mold in
items prone to microbial growth. They are used as most of these compounds are effective over a
widespread pH range. According to a previous study by Nguyen, et.al (2005), parabens work as
antimicrobial agents by disrupting osmotic gradients in bacteria by interacting with
mechanosensitive channels.
Recent information on its mechanism of action was from a Cosmetic Chemist Article published in
2016, where it stated that parabens work by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and enzymes in
bacterial cells and by cellular membrane transfer process interference
The usability of products is prolonged by up to months through the use of parabens as the products
do not develop molds and are protected against other potentially harmful fungus and bacteria
(Wzorek & Nowak, 2019)
On the other hand, its cytotoxic activity may be connected to mitochondrial failure caused by
stimulation of membrane permeability transition (Cosmetic Chemist, 2016). This stimulation is
followed by the depolarization of the mitochondria and cellular ATP depletion due to
disentanglement of oxidative phosphorylation.
In the presence of particular surfactants, creation of hydrogen bonds or the integration of molecules
into micelles can impair the antibacterial action of parabens. It is very vital that the surfactants to be
combined with the parabens to be used in a product are suitable with each other. Also, because these

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preservatives are only active in the aqueous phase, solubilizing aids such as ethanol, glycerol, or
propylene glycol must be added to the formulation (Wzorek & Nowak, 2019).
Examples and Comparison of various parabens used in cosmetic
Some of the known parabens used in cosmetics are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben,
ethylparaben, potassium methylparaben, isopropylparaben, potassium ethylparaben, isobutylparaben,
potassium propylparaben, potassium butylparaben, sodium ethylparaben, sodium methylparaben,
sodium butylparaben, sodium isopropylparaben, sodium propylparaben, and sodium isobutylparaben
(Wzorek & Nowak, 2019). Out of these, the most commonly used are methylparaben, propylparaben,
butylparaben, and ethylparaben. (US FDA, nd.)
Table 2. Previous Panel Safety Assessments of Parabens (Cherian,et.al, 2020)
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), a scientific committee of the European
Commission evaluated various parabens. For Methyl paraben and ethyl parabens, its usage is
restricted to a limited amount with a maximum of 0.4% for single esters (as acid) and a maximum of
0.8% for the total of esters (as acid). Propylparaben and Butylparaben are also restricted at maximum
of 0.14% for the total of propylparaben and butylparaben (as acid). In other words, the use of these
parabens at concentrations that are still effective is still considered safe and legal. However,
Isopropyl paraben, Isobutyl, Pentyl, Phenyl, and Benzyl parabens are banned for use by the SCCS
guidelines (Lebreux, 2017).
Shorter-chain, such as methyl and ethyl parabens, are frequently combined, whereas butylparaben is
commonly used alone. Propyl- and butyl-parabens have longer chains and are associated with higher
estrogenic effects. It's been proven that the branching structure boosts sensitization potency and
estrogenic effect (Stoiber, 2019).

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Usual Dosage amount in products
According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (2011), the overall
concentration of parabens with smaller molecules (methyl and ethyl) allowable in consumer products
is 8 g per kilogram at maximum with none exceeding 4 g/kg. This assessment coincides with the up-
to-date scientific data. The committee suggests lowering the limit to a maximal concentration of 1.9
g/kg parabens for the longer paraben molecules (propyl- and butyl parabens). As for other parabens,
there is still little data so possible risks can’t be assessed (ESCCS, 2011).
Side Effects of Parabens
Parabens are a collection of synthetic chemicals that have been employed as preservatives in a
variety of health, beauty, and personal care products since the 1950s. Parabens are found in products
that include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben. To
suppress the growth of fungus, bacteria, and other potentially harmful germs, these substances are
added to deodorants, toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, and makeups, among other
items. Researchers have also shown that over 90% of everyday food items have quantifiable
quantities of parabens, which explains why even people who avoid potentially toxic personal care
products have parabens.
What concerns public health activists is that while individual goods may contain trim levels of
parabens that are within the permissible limits established by the US Food and Drug Administration,
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cumulative exposure to chemicals from a
variety of items may be overwhelming our systems and contributing to a variety of health issues
(Scientificamerican, 2014). If you're attempting to avoid particular chemicals or compounds, reading
cosmetics labels may be stressful. Half of the components are unintelligible to non-chemists, and
even parabens might be challenging to identify. Parabens are preservatives that extend the shelf life
of products and assist prevent the formation of dangerous germs and mold (Monna, 2022).
Fungistatic and bacteriostatic preservatives hinder the growth and development of microorganisms,
whereas chemicals that kill living bacteria through cell damage are classified as preservatives
(bactericidal and fungicidal preservatives) (Barabasz et al, 2022).

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Paraben as Endocrine Disruptors
Paraben is deemed to be Endocrine Disruptors, which are chemicals that fool the body into thinking
they're hormones. The body may suffer if this results in a hormonal imbalance. The parabens propyl-
, isopropyl-, and isobutyl parabens were discovered to imitate the hormone estrogen in animal
experiments. As a result, hormone signals were disturbed, and female rat reproductive development
was damaged (Monna, 2022). The non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics claims that parabens are
known to alter hormone function, linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive
damage (CSC). "Parabens imitate estrogen by connecting to estrogen receptors on cells," according
to research. According to a study, excess estrogen can cause responses, including increased breast
cell division and tumor growth in some situations (Scientificamerican, 2014). Parabens have a
similar chemical structure to the hormone estrogen. According to research, parabens have lately been
linked to occurrences of early puberty in females due to their estrogen-mimicking properties.
Endocrine disturbance can cause several issues over time, including adult acne, male breast growth,
developmental and neurological diseases, and cancer. Other research has found that parabens can
change thyroid hormone levels, potentially creating health problems (Kim et al., 2019).
Paraben and Breast Cancer
While some study has shown that parabens can imitate the estrogenic activity in the body's cells, this
estrogenic activity has been linked to some types of breast cancer. Estrogen is a female hormone that
has been linked to the growth and division of both normal and malignant breast cells. Breast cancers
have also been shown to contain parabens. In 2004, British scientist Philippa Darbre released a study
that claimed to have discovered paraben levels in breast cancer tissue samples. This investigation
identified evidence of five distinct parabens in 19 out of 20 human breast cancer tumors. Darbre
discovered that parabens not only enter the body through the skin but also accelerate the proliferation
of cancer cells already there (Mufudza et al., 2012).
Also, according to CSC, a 2004 British research found residues of five parabens in 19 out of 20
women's breast cancers. "This recent study doesn't demonstrate a causal link between parabens and
breast cancer, but it is substantial since it detected the presence of intact parabens—that is, parabens
that have not been altered by the body's metabolism—which is an indication of the chemical's ability
to penetrate the skin and remain in breast tissue," the group says. According to the CSC, parabens

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have also been related to reproductive, immunological, neurological, and skin irritation issues
(Scientificamerican, 2014).
Paraben and Reproductive Problems
Parabens have been related to an increased risk of reproductive issues in studies. These alterations
may have negative health consequences for both women and their children, including reproductive
disorders, an increased risk of cancer in adults, and developmental problems in children (Aker et al.,
2016).
Parabens have been proven to bind to and change endocrine receptors in the body, and the larger and
more complex the paraben's structure, the greater the receptor's influence. Both female and male
endocrine functions have been affected by these substances. Anti-androgenic effects and changes in
testosterone transcription have been seen in laboratory investigations of estrogen receptors and
function and androgen (male hormone) receptors. Male and female reproductive development and
fertility difficulties have been linked to high levels of parabens. In animal experiments, rats born to
mothers exposed to high levels of parabens had their reproductive development disrupted: female
rodents developed defective ovaries (Lora, n.d).
In contrast, in animal research, male rodents had decreased testosterone and sperm production in
maturity. Many endocrine disruptors have been demonstrated to affect reproductive tract
development, including parabens. DES (diethylstilbestrol) is a synthetic estrogen molecule used to
prevent miscarriage and premature birth in the 1940s and 1960s but was taken off the market in 1971
due to an increased risk of uterine abnormalities and vaginal cancer in daughters born to mothers
who used DES during pregnancy (Lora, n.d).
Male fertility. The evidence on the effects of parabens on male reproductive health is mixed.
According to an essential scientific study, parabens bind to and modify androgen (male hormone)
receptors, resulting in anti-androgenic effects and changes in testosterone transcription. Some
clinical trials demonstrate an impact on testosterone production, sperm parameters, and male fertility.
The study's exposure to parabens in male rats has been demonstrated to be linked to altered testicular
development and poor, poor sperm production in offspring. In one study, men with high levels of
five different parabens in their urine had low morphology of sperm, higher DNA fragmentation,
lower sperm motility, and low level of testosterone. Low sperm counts and low testosterone levels

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have been linked to high levels of parabens. Other research has shown a weak link between paraben
levels in men's urine and semen analytical parameters. Butylparaben caused more DNA damage in
sperm in one study of 190 males, although there was no substantial difference in other sperm
parameters with methylparaben or propylparaben. There is research on fertility treatment
effectiveness in men with high levels of methylparaben. However, one study of 218 infertile couples
found that males with high levels of methylparaben who had IUI for fertility therapy had reduced
live birth rates (Lora, n.d).
Female fertility. Studies on the effects of paraben exposure on fertility therapy have yielded varied
findings. The EARTH study found no effect of methyl-, propyl-, or butylparaben levels on total
mature oocytes, the proportion of high-quality embryos, fertilization rates, or treatment outcomes in
245 women who had 356 in vitro fertilization treatment cycles. In one investigation of male patient
paraben levels and IVF results in 211 treatment cycles, inferior embryo quality was found, yet
couples with high paraben levels had equivalent live birth rates. The same study looked at the results
of IUI (intrauterine insemination) and found that teams with high levels of urinary parabens had
fewer live babies (Lora, n.d).
Paraben and Obesity
Parabens, among other endocrine disruptors, have been linked to an increased risk of obesity.
Endocrine disruptors are linked to an increase in fat cell number and size and changes in appetite,
satiety (feeling full), dietary choices, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and energy balance. Although
there is more excellent evidence for the impact of endocrine disruptors like bisphenols and
diethylstilbestrol in obesity, laboratory studies demonstrate that parabens increase adipocyte
differentiation (fat cell formation) and affect gene expression in fat cells (Lora, n.d).
Paraben and Skin Allergic Reaction
Parabens can cause skin irritation and allergies, particularly in delicate, damaged, or cracked skin.
Parabens have been shown in studies to be particularly inflammatory in those who have psoriasis,
eczema, or a pattern of contact dermatitis. This is why topical hydrocortisone creams and antibiotic
ointments seldom include parabens (Lora, n.d).
Although parabens have been well tested and only permeate the skin to a bit of level, a rising number
of people – medical professionals, members of environmental and pro-consumer groups – are raising

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concerns about their safety. It is postulated that the most common parabens present in cosmetics are
associated with the following issues.
Thus, the most frequent parabens used in cosmetics are thought to be linked to the following
problems (Barabasz, 2022):
● Parabens disrupt the bacterial flora, may impair the epidermis' water management, and
contribute to weakening the lipid layer, causing skin irritation and allergies. Skin that has lost
its natural protection against the elements is vulnerable to allergic severe responses. This is
why some people believe they are allergic to parabens. Parabens can also cause skin irritation
such as redness, itching, and urticaria. The more paraben-containing cosmetics you use, the
more likely you will have skin issues. Individuals with fragile and sensitive skin prone to
irritation should pay special attention to this issue.
● Because of the adverse effects of parabens on skin health, cosmetics manufacturers are
employing fewer quantities of these preservatives.
● They interfere with hormone function; one theory claims that parabens interfere with sex
hormones, reducing male fertility.
● They can have carcinogenic effects. The paraben that has the most substantial impact is
butylparaben. It is blamed for triggering breast cancer.
● Pregnant women should not use them since they may harm fetal development.
Advantage of Paraben-free cosmetics
Parabens, among other excipients, were employed as preservatives and antimicrobials in cosmetics,
cosmeceuticals, and various healthcare goods. Paraben derivatives have unique physicochemical
characteristics that allow them to be used to develop cosmetic products across multiple dosage
forms. Parabens are economically efficient because of their cheap production costs, in addition to
their potency and efficacy. Despite their beneficial properties, parabens' safety has been questioned
following the detection of these compounds in several biological tissues following repeated and
long-term usage of products containing them. After scientific publications connected skin exposure
to parabens with health risks, including breast cancer, the use of parabens garnered public attention.
As a result, international authorities established guidelines for the proper amounts of paraben in
various cosmetic items (Al-Halaseh et al, 2022).
Earlier in the 1920s, parabens were utilized in beauty products as a type of chemical preservative.
However, in the last decade, the long-term consequences of paraben exposure have been a source of
worry. While virtually all beauty products contain preservatives to help them last longer, paraben-

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free cosmetics may be a better choice. If a product is paraben-free, the label will often declare "free
from parabens" or "0 percent parabens." In order to check if the product is paraben-free, check the
ingredients list on the back of the container. Three of the most prevalent paraben components are
methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben also show
the presence of parabens. Parabens are referred to as "parahydroxybenzoate." (Watson, 2022)
Paraben free products are healthier
As we all know, the skin is an integral part of the human body. Your skin will be healthier if your
body is healthy, and vice versa. According to studies, using any product, including skincare products
containing parabens, is connected to cancer. Using different preservatives on your skin is generally
not recommended. Your body is designed to cleanse itself and eliminate pollutants via your skin, its
biggest organ. As a result, when you use cosmetics containing strange preservatives, chemicals, and
perfumes like parabens, they tend to build up in skin tissues, causing significant harm (Valdino, n.d).
Promotes younger skin
Unfortunately, most over-the-counter anti-aging treatments include a paraben that, sadly, makes you
seem older. Yes, some parabens do the exact reverse of what they promise. Methylparaben, a
frequently used paraben, is a misleading chemical that ages your skin rather than making it look
younger. Methylparaben inhibits the development of collagen, a protein that makes up the majority
of your connective tissue and keeps your skin tight. Therefore, the loss of collagen can affect our
skin, making our skin sag and loose ( Valdino, n.d).
Prevent skin allergic reaction
When using skin care products, the majority of people may develop allergies. Most of the time, they
cannot determine which component is causing their allergies. Without your knowledge, parabens
might be causing redness, extreme itching, pimples, or blotchy spots on your skin. Investing in
organic skincare products, paraben-free and entirely natural, is the most outstanding alternative for
you ( Valdino, n.d).
Paraben-free cosmetic products are environment friendly
Because parabens are chemicals, it's no surprise that they harm the environment. When you rinse off
your face cleanser, the residue (containing parabens) is carried into an ample water supply and ends
up in the ocean. Parabens impact not just humans but also aquatic species and terrestrial mammals,

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causing hormonal abnormalities. You are helping the environment by choosing paraben-free skincare
products ( Valdino, n.d).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The existence of parabens on personal care products have been analyzed by Guo et al. (2014) which
was stated in their study that in 52 various personal care products samples and measured the most
commonly found parabens and the results were as follows MeP (77%), PrP (73%), EtP (46%), and
BuP (25%). This provides us with the information of which is more common among the different
types of parabens being used in cosmetics. Multiple studies compiled are results of experiments on
mostly animals and a few human studies showed that of paraben in regard to the endocrine system
and relating to it (Nowak et al.,2018)

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Source:Nowak, K., Ratajczak–Wrona, W., Górska, M., & Jabłońska, E. (2018). Parabens and their effects on the
endocrine system. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.014
Results hint that pregnant women exposed to parabens, most specifically Butylparaben, have a
tendency for disrupting endocrine effects on the thyroid and hormones like estradiol and the
like.(Aker et al., 2016) Adults have shown to have higher concentrations of parabens in the body
compared to adolescents, this may explain the longer exposure or use of paraben related products and
it was found out that women had higher concentrations compared to men.(Koeppe et al., 2013) Male
participants were engaged in the study for the possible reproductive effects of paraben and it was
found to have been conclusive to sperm damage but no such claims on changes of sperm quality.
(Meeker et al., 2011)
According to one of the studies it was stated that parabens have an effect in estrogen sulfation. It
could be the possible binding of parabens on the active site or within the site in which inhibits leads
to possible inhibition of estrogen homeostasis.(Prusakiewicz et al., 2007) Sperm count on male rats
were negatively affected when exposed to parabens and having different results of concentrations in
each type. For female rats the growth of their mammary glands have been shown to be the result

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when exposed to butyl paraben.(Boberg et al., 2016) Impaired sperm motility was found on male
rodents along with the changes in spermatogenesis kinetics and sperm head deformations was
relatively common with exposure to parabens. (Guerra et al., 2016)
Despite such results on studies FDA has treated parabens and other preservatives similar to other
cosmetic components under the law, but should still be within the guidelines of safety stated by the
FDA. To take action against a cosmetic for safety concerns, however, we must have credible
scientific evidence that the product is dangerous when customers follow the guidelines on the label
or when they use it incorrectly.(US FDA, 2022) Government entities all across the world, including
the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and Canada, are allowed to use parabens. In
all of these countries, safe levels of paraben preservatives have been recognized. Consumers should
not be concerned about the use of paraben-containing cosmetics, according to the FDA. Medical and
toxicological specialists have classified methyl and propylparaben as "Generally Regarded As Safe"
for use in food preservation by the FDA. (US FDA, 2022)
Despite widespread use, the ability of paraben esters to sensitize the skin and cause allergic
contact dermatitis has been remarkably rare, especially when compared to other commonly used
topical antimicrobial agents and preservative ingredients. When compared to other commonly used
preservatives, prevalence rates are reported to be low, ranging between 0.6 and 1.7 percent in North
America and 0.5 to 1.3 percent in Europe. Paraben mixture is considered a rare allergen, with an
average prevalence of about 1%.(Fransway et al., 2019). The total amount of parabens permitted is 8
g per kilogram of cosmetic product, with no single paraben exceeding 4 g/kg. The SCCS determined
that this limit is safe for the smaller paraben molecules (methyl- and ethyl paraben). The Scientific
Committee on Consumer Safety recommends lowering the limit to 1.9 g/kg parabens for the longer
paraben molecules (propyl- and butyl parabens). Parabens including isopropyl, isobutyl, and
phenylparaben have insufficient data and their risks are unknown.(Int J Toxicol., 2011)
Unintentional paraben exposure. Face powders, for example, contain up to 0.5 percent ethylparaben,
resulting in accidental inhalation. Aerosol products, like hair sprays, contain non-respirable
droplets/particles. While particle/droplet size is crucial, so are the physicochemical properties of the
spray components and actual exposure conditions in real-world settings. Furthermore,
nasopharyngeal or bronchial droplets/particles are not toxicologically hazardous. Assuming the
results are accurate, unintentional inhalation is unlikely to constitute a significant route of exposure
with local respiratory or systemic repercussions. (Priya & Jinqui, 2020) Parabens have a weak
estrogenic activity in vitro, which increases with alkyl side chain length and branching. Their
potency is 1,000–1,000,000 times less potent than 17-estradiol. In some studies, parabens exhibit

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weak estrogenic activity in vivo, but with extremely low potency (approximately 10-5 to 10-6 that of
estradiol). In vitro and in vivo, P-hydroxybenzoic acid, a common metabolite, has no estrogenic
activity. Although a report purportedly linking parabens in underarm cosmetics to breast cancer
sparked widespread interest, a closer examination revealed "no evidence of demonstrable
risk."(Krowka & Loretz, 2017)
Emerging toxicological concerns concerning parabens are significant. In addition to endocrine
action, spermatogenesis and adipogenesis are non-allergologic effects. Parabens are safe for
cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical use if all toxicological endpoints are considered. This article's
objective is to reassure consumers regarding paraben safety and enable educated choices. Parabens
are not responsible for these major health concerns. Because parabens have no major skin toxicity,
removing them from consumer items may result in less proven and potentially dangerous
replacements.(Fransway et al., 2019) Parabens are not toxic in the concentrations found in cosmetics.
They are not genotoxic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic. Less than 1% of parabens are in food. As the
ester linkage appears to be easily hydrolyzed, p-hydroxybenzoic acid is formed. After dermal
exposure, skin esterases metabolize parabens, while after oral exposure, esterases hydrolyze parabens
during first-pass metabolism. (Krowka & Loretz, 2017) Ingredients for wound treatment must be
safe. Particularly criticized are paraben preservatives. Parabens have been connected to allergic
contact dermatitis as well as oestrogen-like action. Parabens are extremely infrequent allergens
compared to other antimicrobials and preservatives. Surprisingly, parabens have not been connected
to breast cancer in humans. According to scientific and regulatory study, the present safety
restrictions governing their use are adequate. Despite repeated worries, typical paraben levels are
unlikely to cause harm.(Eveline & Brackman, 2021)
CONCLUSION
A lot of confusion throughout the years about the safeness of the use of parabens which is also a
delicate thing to talk about. Majority of results point to negativity about parabens and results show
that they do interfere with receptors in our body mostly related to our endocrine system. Some
effects that occurred in animal studies do not conform with human studies but compared to
concentrations found in cosmetic products and of sorts is different compared in the studies which
leads us to say that the obtained results may be unreliable for comparison on humans. Despite the
efforts and studies performed on human testing of parabens there are still plenty of unclear issues
that still require further study into uncovering and understanding of the previous findings.

International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 3, no 5, pp 3425-3466, May 2022 3442
Acknowledgment
The researchers would like to thank San Pedro College, Davao City, Philippines for the support and
opportunity of making this review article.
Disclosure of conflict of interest
No conflict of interest from the authors.
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