Ingredients
What Are Parabens and Are They Safe for Your Skin?
We often get asked here at NC: “What are parabens?”
And it’s a valid question.
Especially with the confusion and misinformation surrounding them.
At NC, we believe in transparency.
So let’s take a closer look at parabens.
What they are, how they work, and whether they’re safe for your skin.
What are Parabens?
Parabens are effective chemical preservatives that have been widely used since the early 1930s.
Not so long ago, cosmetic manufacturers regularly used parabens. Their popularity was due to their low cost and their efficacy against bacterial infections.
They indirectly release chemicals that poison microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
They help to reduce the chance of contamination and extend the shelf life of your skincare products.
What are the types of parabens used in skincare
- Propylparaben
- butylparaben
- isobutyl paraben
- isopropyl paraben
- methylparaben E number E218
- ethylparaben E214 and butylparaben E216
These are the most commonly used parabens.
Each paraben has its own chemical and toxicological properties, which have different effects when controlling the growth of yeasts and mould.
Although they are primarily fungicidal, they also offer some protection against bacteria. This is why your skincare product may contain more than one type of paraben.
Why the controversy?
In 2004, Dr Philippa Darbre, a scientist at Reading University, published an article in the Journal of Applied Toxicology about a random test on breast cancer patients.
Dr Darbre discovered that parabens were in all twenty of the breast tissue samples from tumours that were tested; this is where the direct link between parabens and breast cancer came from – an alarming fact that created a media frenzy.
Should you avoid parabens?
Since then, several studies have examined the toxicology of parabens. Yet, no research has ever been able to make a connection between parabens found in personal care products and breast cancer.
No evidence shows that they stay in the body or cause irritation.
Clinical studies have shown that parabens are absorbed into the skin’s tissues, fully metabolised before entering the bloodstream, and quickly eliminated by the body.
One such study on the oestrogen activity of parabens released a report stating, “Parabens can’t increase any risk associated with exposure to Oestrogen chemicals”.
So, it seems the very idea that parabens found in your personal care products can cause breast cancer is largely unsubstantiated.
What is the FDA’s view of this?
As of 2025, the FDA continues to review published studies on the safety of parabens.
They state that we do not currently have information showing that parabens used in cosmetics harm human health; however, this is under ongoing review.
To conclude. The naked truth
It goes without saying that there has been considerable controversy surrounding parabens.
If you use personal care products without parabens or preservatives, ensure the formula is safe for your skin.
Microbes that grow in this environment include mould, yeast, and fungi, which can be far more deadly and toxic than parabens. The use of natural ingredients increases their need.
Natural materials are more likely to break down and become contaminated with organisms.
It’s certainly a fascinating subject that ultimately comes down to personal choice.
2 replies on “What Are Parabens and Are They Safe for Your Skin?”
So I’ve read up on all the studies and I’m sure parabens are fine to use topically, however I’m wondering about the effect on the price of a product. I associate parabens with cheaper products. If a high end/expensive product contains parabens am I being ripped off? For instance SK-II’s treatment essence has a paraben but it cost almost $100. Is it still worth the price even if they use cheap preservatives?
This is a topic i don;t want to get in, but a product worth $500 can be the same as one worth $60.00 its all about branding not the preservative or paraben.