Used as a preservative in skin care the Paraben group of chemicals are a popular ingredient in cosmetics and toiletries for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Parabens can be found in nature in plants but when used commercially they are synthetically produced.
There is controversy surrounding Parabens. Although they have a long history of safe use more current studies have challenged their use and one such study found the presence of parabens in a breast cancer tumour. This study has fueled the debate but as a scientific study this study is not conclusive proof. In fact based on the current studies it is not possible to prove if there is a direct link between parabens and tumours but in turn also impossible to prove their safety as the long term effects are not known and further studies are needed.
« Back to the green glossary