|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

What Is Paraben Mix?

Paraben mix is a combination of five different parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acids. Paraben mix and parabens are common chemical preservatives used since the 1920s in personal products such as cosmetics, hair and skin care. Paraben mix is colorless and odorless, and is found in medications, foods, oils, glues and textiles. Because multiple parabens are often used in a single product, paraben mix is also used to test for allergies to these preservatives.

  1. Allergies

    • Allergies to paraben mix are common since it is used in thousands of products, and allergies often develop after repeated exposure to small amounts of any substance. Allergies appear as a rash, also known as contact dermatitis, which worsen with further applications. Paraben mix allergy is diagnosed by performing a patch test with a 15-percent paraben mix solution. If an allergy is confirmed, products containing parabens must be avoided. A topical steroid cream is used to alleviate the allergic rash.

    Health Concerns

    • The widespread use of paraben mix has raised questions about its health effects. Most parabens are absorbed by the skin and can react with UVB light from the sun to increase skin aging. Paraben mix also mimics the female sex hormone estrogen. Studies have linked the estrogen-like properties of parabens with cancer and problems in the male reproductive system.

    Breast Cancer

    • A 2004 study published in the "Journal of Applied Toxicology" demonstrated a link between breast cancer and parabens, including paraben mix, after scientists found high concentrations in tumor samples. Through cosmetics, women can absorb up to 50 mg of parabens daily that mimic estrogen. Estrogen is directly involved in the development of breast cancers, by encouraging cell growth. The 2004 study's author concluded that parabens may have contributed to this cell growth.

    Regulation

    • The regulation of parabens and paraben mix varies around the world. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration "believes that at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens." The European Union restricts the levels of parabens used within products. Some parabens are difficult to detect, because they may be listed as "fragrance." Fragrances are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to list their contents.

    Consumer Reaction

    • Despite the assurances of regulatory bodies and the cosmetics industry, consumers remain concerned about parabens. These concerns have led manufacturers to voluntarily remove paraben mix and individual parabens from their products. As a result of this public pressure, it is possible to find cosmetic and skin care products labeled "paraben-free."

Environmental Health - Related Articles