Let’s Talk Ingredients: Parabens
Parabens are classified as antimicrobial preservatives commonly used in cosmetics to enhance their shelf life. John Brehmer, a British pharmacist, is credited to be the first person to document research on parabens, yet the first patent for a paraben-based preservative was filed by chemist Ferdinand Tschumi his colleagues. Its chemical composition makes it easier to preserve a multitude of products.
What are Parabens?
Parabens are a family of alkyl esters of pare-hydroxybenzoic acid found in cosmetics and even sometimes in fruits like blueberries. Its general chemical formula is C(n)H(2n+2)O3; for example, Methylparaben’s chemical structure is C8H8O3. Parabens are classified as alkyl esters because of their carbonyl group and due to its hydrocarbon chain lacking one hydrogen atom. Parabens’ alkyl esters structure are effective at inhibiting the growth of microorganism such as bacteria, mold, and fungi. However, parabens can also act like endocrine disruptors, meaning it can disrupt the functionality of reproductive system.
Drawback of Parabens
Parabens like Methylparabens can irritate skin, irritate eyes, and cause lasting damage to aquatic life. Additionally, there is potential concern that parabens may alter the function of hormones and may even harm fertility and increase the risk of cancer by mimicking the effect of estrogen.
Products with Parabens
LA PRAIRE Concealer
BANANA BOAT Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion
AMBI Fade Cream, Oily Skin
Parabens such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparben, and isobutylparaben
References
Administration, FDA. “Parabens in Cosmetics.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 25 Feb. 2022, www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics.
Błędzka, Dorota, et al. “Parabens. from Environmental Studies to Human Health.” Environment International, Pergamon, 19 Mar. 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160412014000579.
Engeli, Roger T et al. “Interference of Paraben Compounds with Estrogen Metabolism by Inhibition of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 18,9 2007. 19 Sep. 2017, doi:10.3390/ijms18092007
Mackie, Lucy. “Parabens Contact Allergy.” DermNet®, 4 Sept. 2024, dermnetnz.org/topics/allergy-to-parabens.
Millar, Hillan. “Methylparabens: Uses and Safety.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 11 Apr. 2022, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/methylparabens-uses-and-safety.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "PubChem Compound Summary for CID 7456, Methylparaben" PubChem, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylparaben. Accessed 10 August, 2025.
Stoiber, Tasha. “What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics? | Environmental Working Group.” EWG’s Skin Deep, 9 Apr. 2019, www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens.
