There are concerns about the role that propylparaben may play in the development of breast cancer.
Propylparaben belongs to a family of chemicals known as parabens, which are parahydroxybenzoic acid compounds. The others are methyl, ethyl, and butylparaben. While these compounds occur naturally, in some plants, for example, they are manufactured synthetically and are used primarily as preservatives and antimicrobials in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Propylparaben is the most commonly used form. The compound has very low toxicity, but there is concern that it may play a role in the development of breast cancer, among other things.
properties and uses
Propylparaben is used in many cosmetics and can be found in lipsticks, foundations, and eye shadows.
Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods can be spoiled by bacteria and fungi if they do not contain a preservative or antimicrobial agent. Studies have shown that propylparaben is effective in low concentrations. It is particularly good at killing or preventing mold growth and works well across the acidity range that includes most products intended for external or internal use. This, combined with its apparent lack of toxicity to humans and other mammals, and its low cost to manufacture, has led to its widespread use in a variety of products.
Propylparaben is a common ingredient in deodorants.
The compound is widely used in the cosmetic industry and is considered safe in concentrations up to 25%. It has become the preferred preservative, especially for water-based cosmetics such as moisturizers, shampoos, shower cleansers, conditioners, and sunscreens. Lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, and eye shadows can also contain it.
Some mascaras contain propylparaben.
In the pharmaceutical industry, propylparaben is a common preservative for certain medications. As a result, humans can absorb it in a variety of ways: injections, orally, or through suppositories. Since these uses involve the compound being taken internally, it is not normally found in concentrations greater than 1%. The same applies to its use in food.
effects on humans
Propylparaben is found in many types of makeup.
Tests for acute or chronic toxic effects indicated that propylparaben has low mammalian toxicity. It may be mildly irritating to the skin and allergic reactions have been reported, but it is not believed to directly cause any other harmful effects. It is easily absorbed into the system when taken orally, but breaks down quickly and does not normally appear to accumulate in the body.
The main concern with this substance is that, like other parabens, it can mimic, to some extent, the action of the female hormone, estrogen. Although essential for female development, early exposure to the hormone has been linked to breast cancer, and estrogen-suppressing drugs are used to treat the disease. There appears to be no direct evidence linking parabens to cancer, but there have been several studies that have created fear in some consumers.
In one study, a group of British researchers analyzed tissue samples taken from women with cancerous breast tumors. The researchers found traces of parabens in the bulges of all 20 women. This made some people wonder if these chemicals caused cancer.
Other examples of concern include a September 2008 study of 20 girls ages 14-19. The girls used various cosmetic products every day, from moisturizers to deodorants to makeup. In that study, propylparaben was found in all the girls.
Parabens may also affect men. In a study of male rats fed these chemicals at various doses, testosterone production was found to decrease in proportion to dose. As of 2013, there was no clear evidence of any adverse effects of these substances in humans, and research on them is ongoing, but many people are taking a “better safe than sorry” approach and trying to avoid the products. that contain these chemicals.
With increased awareness of these compounds and increased concern about their potential effects, some cosmetic manufacturers, especially those that are organic in nature, are looking for alternative ways to prevent their products from spoiling or to inhibit microbial growth. Some may simply settle for a shorter shelf life, while other manufacturers look to other preservatives. Until more information is available, the safest course may be to limit paraben exposure.