When shopping for cosmetics, it’s common to see newly-trending products claiming to be “paraben-free.” There’s growing concern that these ingredients are no longer safe. So are parabens in makeup harmful? Are parabens natural? Should you avoid them? This article dives into paraben safety – here’s everything you need to know!
Keep reading to learn more.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning In On Around will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain the site. As always, we value full transparency & only work with brands we love and trust.
Author: In On Around Founder & CEO, Catherine Power.
- Published On:
- Updated On: March 12, 2025
Table of Contents
What Are Parabens?
Parabens, short for p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, are very common skincare ingredients.
They are mostly used in cosmetics & personal care items as preservatives (they’re used to prevent the growth of mold & other nasty organisms… therefore increasing the product’s shelf life). Preservatives in cosmetics are essential to ensure longer-term safety assessments. They’ve been commonly found in products as far back as the 1920s (over 100 years ago)!
About 75-90% of cosmetics contain parabens. – A Consumer’s Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingredients
What Are The Different Types Of Parabens?
There are many different types of parabens! Usually, most cosmetics contain a mixture… however, there are six that are the most common.
The six most common parabens are:
- Methyl-
- Ethyl-
- Isopropyl-
- Isobutyl-
- Butyl-
- Propyl-
If methylparaben is listed on a product ingredient label, you’ll likely see at least one or two other types of parabens listed. It’s common to use multiple types in the same product! Keep in mind that there are some alternative names for parabens, such as 4-hydroxyl methyl ester benzoic acid and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (yup… that’s a mouthful). Anything that contains the above list likely is a paraben.
Where Are Parabens Commonly Found?
Parabens are used in a wide variety of products, including:
The European Union has banned 5 different types of parabens to protect human health.
Unfortunately, many hair care products marketed towards African Americans (like relaxers & stylers) are even more likely to contain parabens. [3, 4] In addition, on average, high-income households are usually exposed even more! [5] Maybe the “high-end” hair products aren’t so high quality after all.
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How Are Parabens Harmful?
There is concern that parabens may:
- Disrupt hormones [6]
- Promote early puberty in girls [7]
- Harm fertility and reproductive organs [8]
- Increase the risk of cancer (particularly linked to breast cancer) [9, 10, 11, 12]
- Alter birth outcomes [13, 14]
- Create skin irritation [15]
- Contribute to male breast growth (gynecomastia) [16]
- Cause allergic reactions [17, 18]
- Lead to anxiety [19]
Human exposure to butyl- and propyl- are more strongly linked to estrogenic activity. [20, 21] These ingredients are quickly absorbed by the skin and may build up in the body (they may not be excreted as quickly as scientists previously thought). [22]
Parabens have been found in nearly all adult urine samples. – Ye, 2006
You definitely won’t find parabens in the products I use!
One of the main problems with parabens is that they’re in so many products. You’re likely exposed to multiple parabens on a daily basis. Women, on average, use over twelve personal care products every day, which exposes them to over 168 chemical ingredients – yikes! [23]
What Are "Natural" Parabens?
Not all parabens are made synthetically. They’re naturally found in the environment as well! Take Japanese honeysuckle, for instance. Japanese honeysuckle (also known as Lobicera japonica flower extract or honeysuckle extract) is known by many as a “natural” paraben.
The chemical structure of Japanese honeysuckle is similar to a paraben since it contains para hydroxybenzoic acid. This is a controversial ingredient in skin care – some in the holistic space say it is unsafe, while others say it is completely safe. However, Japanese honeysuckle may also contain salicylic acid and nanoparticles – both of which are important to limit in skincare. [24] It’s also been linked to anaphylaxis in some people, so if you’re particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid any “natural” parabens as well. [25]
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Are Parabens Harmful In Food?
Parabens are also commonly found in many grocery items, including:
- Processed vegetables
- Frozen dairy products
- Jams
- Beer
- Desserts
- Soft drinks
- Sauces
- Pickles
… this is for preservation (just like in cosmetics). Some parabens are naturally occurring at low levels in certain foods, but they’re metabolized (unlike when applied to the skin). During metabolization, the parabens do not enter the bloodstream or organs intact. [26]
Grocery items that contain parabens are “generally regarded as safe” by the FDA, but not all scientists are in agreement. There are some studies that show a link between paraben intake and fertility issues. [27] Parabens are said to impact your health only when consumed at “extremely high levels,” but the reality is, most people consume primarily processed foods (like the ones listed above). How much is too much?
This is yet another reason to eat real, whole, organic, and minimally processed foods! If you’re interested in learning more about seasonal & local eating, check out this article.
What Is Paraben-Free? What Are The Best Brands?
Paraben-free is a marketing term used to let the product buyer know that the product is free from parabens. Parabens are not listed on the ingredient label in paraben-free products.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid in cosmetics, check out the Clean Beauty Checklist. In this guide, I dive into the 68 ingredient classes you should limit in personal care items (… and some of them will surprise you)!
Also, take a look at the In On Around Shop for my favorite non-toxic products that are paraben-free! There are thousands of natural and organic cosmetics that don’t use toxic ingredients like parabens – opt for these better alternatives! Paraben-free makeup works just as well. If you’re looking for the best organic, natural makeup brands – look no further!
Final Thoughts: Are Parabens In Makeup Harmful?
So… should you avoid parabens? Here’s what to do:
1 - Look At All Ingredients
- If you’re looking for truly paraben-free products, make sure you look at the full ingredient list.
- If “honeysuckle flower extract” or similar is listed, that is a natural paraben. It is misleading if the label says “no parabens,” in this case. Be careful with marketing claims like “no synthetic parabens” – there are likely still natural parabens present (this is greenwashing).
2 - Opt For Small-Batched Skincare Products
- Opt for freshly made, small-batched skincare products that don’t require extensive use of preservatives (or just use less beauty products in general). These smaller-batched, fresher skincare products with less preservatives can be usually be used up before expiration.
3 - Check Product Expiration Dates
- Regularly throw out makeup and cosmetic products that have not been used after six to twelve months (depending on the product). Most cosmetics do not have an expiration date… but they do expire!
4 - Opt For Paraben-Free Alternatives
- Shop for non-toxic skincare products that use paraben-free alternative ingredients! You can find a whole list here.
- Lucky for you, there are hundreds of paraben-free products on the market. They’re easy to avoid!
5 - Especially Avoid Parabens If Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for children, do NOT use products with parabens. Especially for babies and young children, they should not be exposed to these chemicals. [28]
Other studies claim parabens are safe, however, it is difficult to confirm that. [29] There are safer alternatives to parabens on the market… so why risk it? My mentality, as always, is to take precautions, even if the science is split. It’s not worth the risk.
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Do you use paraben-free products?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
Are parabens in makeup harmful? Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below! Please rate & review this article – I’d appreciate it!
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out my other articles here!
Are Parabens In Makeup Harmful – Info: CDC, Environmental Working Group, Healthline, David Suzuki, Living Well Mama, Organic Consumers, Natural Ingredient, Byrdie, Prospector, Coveteur, Leaf, Chemical Safety Facts, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Naturally Savvy, Best Food Facts
Copyright In On Around LLC 2024 ©. The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided by this website should not be used as individual medical advice and you should always consult your doctor for individual recommendations and treatment. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis. Related to this site, there are no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. In On Around LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site.
Frequently Asked Questions - Are Parabens Harmful?
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about “are parabens in makeup harmful” and paraben safety!
Parabens, short for p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, is a very common skincare ingredient. They are mostly used in cosmetics & personal care items as preservatives (they’re used to prevent the growth of mold & other nasty organisms… therefore increasing the product’s shelf life). Preservation is essential for skincare products to ensure longer-term safety. They’ve been commonly found in products as far back as the 1920s (over 100 years ago)!
The six most common parabens are: Methyl-, Ethyl-, Isopropyl-, Isobutyl- , Butyl-, and Propyl-paraben.
Not all parabens are made synthetically. They’re naturally found in the environment as well! Take Japanese honeysuckle, for instance. Japanese honeysuckle (also known as Lobicera japonica flower extract or honeysuckle extract) is known by many as a “natural” paraben.
Opt for freshly made, small-batched skincare products that don’t require extensive use of preservatives (or just use less beauty products in general). These smaller-batched, fresher skincare products with less preservatives can be usually be used up before expiration.
