The presence of parabens in cosmetics is highly controversial as they are connected with health hazards. Had parabens been tested before their use? The answer is YES they were tested. On animals.
Parabens are used as preservatives in shampoos, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, perfumes, make-up etc. They may be present in many of the products that are used even on a daily basis. As a result of this, their impact is substantial. This is the reason why a lot of cosmetic companies have started to avoid their use. “Paraben Free” is one of the most common statements by companies that want to show that their products are safe.
Safety of parabens in cosmetics
However parabens did not always have this bad reputation. Browsing in the internet for older safety studies of this ingredient we have found published studies based on animal experiments and concluded that their use is safe. For example a study of 1984 (3 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben, International Journal of Toxicology Volume: 3 issue: 5, page(s): 147-209) mentions that «Acute chronic and subchronic toxicity studies in animals indicate that Parabens are practically nontoxic by various routes of administration.» «It is concluded that Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use.»
The above conclusion has been contradicted in recent years. Parabens in cosmetics are no longer considered safe. On the contrary, they have been connected with health hazards. Parabens mimic female hormones and when absorbed by the body they can disrupt the production of natural hormones. This can lead to the appearance of health issues including cancer. A study published in 2004 (Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Darbre PD1, Aljarrah A, Miller WR, Coldham NG, Sauer MJ, Pope GS, J Appl Toxicol. 2004 Jan–Feb;24(1):5-13.) revealed the presence of significant amounts of parabens in malignant breast tumors. Men are also in danger: parabens have been accused for reproductive issues, including cancer, sperm abnormalities and prostate problems.
Maybe the issue of parabens should be take into consideration but scientific community, especially those who insist on performing experiments on animals.