PRESERVATIVES
Verdict:Not Guilty! Despite the paraben free trend, Botanichem’s Robyn Brown says parabens are still the ‘go to’. She shares her option and proof that confirms parabens are still the safest and best preservatives to use.
A
they appear do this weakly and as a result,
panel discussed concerns about the
a significant risk.
bioaccumulation potential of parabens
Concerns surrounding parabens first
noting, as lipid-soluble chemicals,
surfaced in 2004 when a report was
parabens may theoretically distribute
published referring to the concentration of
to tissues despite metabolism. Recent
parabens in human breast tumours. The
studies have demonstrated the presence
report suggested parabens in underarm
of parabens in human tissue, but there
deodorants and antiperspirants could
is no data showing parabens are
be absorbed into the skin and migrate to
metabolised to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid,
breast tissue.
which is considered safe under typical
The study was widely criticised by the scientific community due to the
use conditions. The key take out of this latest research is
fter years of being wrongfully
methodology used and how the conclusions
evidence shows parabens are safe for use
accused of being unsafe,
were reached. The problem with the study
at prescribed and current usage levels.
parabens have been cleared for
was no comparative analysis was carried
The reality is, damage has been done and
use by the Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The panel is made up of world-renowned dermatologists, toxicologists, chemists, consumer protection advocates and public health experts. In its latest review in September 2018, relating to the issue of whether parabens are safe for human use issued, the panel concluded there were 20 parabens,
Evidence shows parabens are safe for use at prescribed and current usage levels
including those most commonly used in cosmetics – methylparaben, propylparaben,
out on healthy tissue. If there had been
butylparaben and ethylparaben – which are
traces of paraben in healthy tissue, which
safe for use under present practices of use
has subsequently been proven, it would
and recommended concentrations.
have ruled out the link to breast cancer.
This conclusion is welcome news and will
In addition, parabens were detected
hopefully put an end to the speculation and
in the blank control samples used for the
debate regarding paraben safety.
study. This was explained as being due to
Parabens are among the most effective
contamination from the glassware. But, if
and safe preservatives for use in cosmetic
this was the case, why wasn’t the same
and skin care formulations. They have
conclusion reached for the detection of
more than 100 years’ history of safe usage
parabens in the breast tissue?¹
and have the lowest incident rate of skin problems in dermatological patients.
Proven safe to use Regardless of the questions raised about
A questionable study
the study’s integrity, it has dominated the
Alternatives to parabens are expensive and
debate on preservative choice and industry
can cause skin reactions. Skin care brands
usage for over a decade.
have been pressured into using alternatives
The latest review will hopefully restore
in order to allay the fears of their customers.
some confidence in the use of parabens,
Parabens have a chemical structure
though there remains some concern about
that is similar to estrogen and can mimic
the build-up of parabens in tissue over time
the effects of the hormone in the body. But
and the associated safety.
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In its findings, the CIR expert
researchers never considered them
| FEBRUARY 2019 | P C Review
it will take some time to change industry and consumers’ perceptions. •
REFERENCES 1. www.cosmeticscef.com
Botanichem – www.botanichem.co.za
