What are parabens and are they really harmful to healthFitness and health14:34 | 29 March 2023

From a chemical point of view, paraben is a group of parahydroxybenzoates. There are a number of types of parabens. For example, it is methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben. They may also have other names: for example, methyl paraben – 4-hydroxymethyl benzoic acid ester or methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

In general, parabens are a group of closely related molecules that are added in small amounts (less than 1%) to food, cosmetics and drugs as a preservative. These substances work to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. As a result, the product becomes safer and its shelf life is extended.

Some studies on cells or animals have shown that parabens have an effect on the endocrine system. But whether this applies to humans is unclear.

You may have heard that parabens are estrogenic, meaning they can mimic or affect estrogen in the body. However, its effects are not as strong as natural estrogens and phytoestrogens (the latter compounds are produced by many plants).

That is, parabens, if used in small doses, practically cannot harm human health.

But due to a misconstrued study in 2004, people are concerned about the presence of parabens. During this study, scientists found parabens in breast tissue and breast cancer in the body. However, this does not mean that these substances cause cancer.

Avoiding parabens has become an effective marketing tool. After all, if people are willing to buy paraben-free products and are willing to pay more for them, then why not sell them? However, the absence of paraben in a product does not mean that it does not contain preservatives, nor does it mean that such a product is safer. Also, when removing parabens from a product, other preservatives that may be less effective must be added.

News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.