What Are Parabens and Should We Avoid Them?

So, what exactly are parabens? They're a group of chemicals commonly found in cosmetics to help extend the life of a product. Sounds pretty harmless, right? Well, not quite. You see, there's been some buzz around why parabens might not be the best thing for our bodies. It turns out these chemicals have been found to potentially impact hormones and fertility.  Although the amount of parabens in cosmetics is considered safe, we do not have enough information about their long-term effects. So, let’s chat about parabens in more detail!

Which Products Contain Parabens?

Now that you know what parabens are, how can you spot them on a product? There are many different kinds of parabens, all belonging to the same chemical family. The ones most commonly used are:

• Methylparaben

• Propylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Ethylparaben

It’s worth noting that most cosmetic products that use parabens may contain two or more types of them, along with other preservatives. So, what are the products that may contain parabens?

• Skin lotions

• Sunscreens

• Antiperspirants

• Makeup

• Some food products 

• Hair dyes (bear in mind that Madison Reed’s professional hair color is paraben free!)

Why Are Parabens Harmful?

So, why exactly are parabens considered harmful? We don’t use them in our hair color for quite a few reasons:

They Can Disrupt Your Hormones

Parabens have estrogenic effects, meaning that they can impact your hormonal balance. This may lead to a number of problems, including:

• Lower fertility: for both men and women

• Breast cancer risk: parabens may accelerate the growth of breast cancer cells. [1][2]​

We Don’t Know Their Long-Term Impact

While scientists have conducted some research about the effects of parabens, the studies were not long enough to show the long-term impact they have on our bodies. This is mainly because most people have some level of parabens in their systems.

The same goes for the byproducts of parabens reacting with tap water. While many substances are created as a result of such reactions, we don’t have enough data to determine the kind of effects they may have on our health.

They Can Irritate Your Skin

Why are parabens harmful to our skin? They can be irritating or even cause allergic reactions. This is especially true if you already suffer from skin conditions like dandruff or dry scalp.

They Are Dangerous for the Environment

Parabens are not only harmful to us – they can also damage the environment around us. For instance, it has been proven that butylparaben kills coral. [3] This is especially dangerous since our current wastewater treatment methods are incapable of removing parabens completely [3], so these chemicals are released into the environment.

Governments vs. Parabens

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why, despite knowing that parabens aren't good for us, it seems like nothing's being done about it – well, the reality might surprise you.

Let’s take a look at the United States first. The FDA does monitor parabens, though currently, it does allow them to be used in cosmetics and foods (since the same regulations apply for all types of preservatives). As the agency claims, they are considering four questions:

• What do published studies show about the possible hazards of parabens, and the effects of parabens on human health? For example, do experimental findings with various parabens also happen in real life?

• What are the hazards and risks of not using parabens? If we stop using parabens to protect cosmetics and consumers from harmful bacteria, are there safer alternatives for preservatives?

• If there are paraben-related health effects that are scientifically supported and documented, how do these effects relate to the use of parabens in cosmetics?

• Do the different kinds of parabens act the same or differently in our bodies? [4]

In the European Union, on the other hand, there is a ban on particular parabens: isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben. The same goes for Southeast Asian nations, as there is no evidence that these substances are not harmful.

Madison Reed Hair Color: Your Paraben-Free Alternative

At Madison Reed, we care deeply about using ingredients you can feel good about. That's why we offer an ammonia-free hair color that does not contain parabens! We use the best alternatives to provide you with the hair color you want – minus the ingredients you don’t!

You’ll find an array of shades to choose from in our color portfolio – made with feel-good ingredients. Browse our Radiant Hair Color Kits to discover your best hair color ever!