Side Effects of Parabens: What Every Skincare Enthusiast Must Know!

In the quest for flawless skin, we often rely on products that promise to hydrate, brighten, and protect. But what if some of these skincare saviours hide a secret ingredient that could harm your skin—especially during pregnancy or when used on your newborn? Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in many cosmetic and personal care products. But they have recently come under scrutiny. Research has raised concerns about the side effects of parabens and their long-term impact.¹  

Let’s take a closer look at what are parabens, why they’re a concern, and how to choose better products for your skin.

Understanding The Hidden Ingredient- Parabens 

Parabens are synthetic chemicals used to preserve the freshness of skincare and beauty products. They stop harmful bacteria and mould from developing, thus extending the shelf life of these products.

Certifications like Ecocert ban parabens, as they are not made from renewable or environmentally friendly processes.

Parabens: The Different Types

When you check the ingredient list on your skincare products, you might notice several types of parabens. The most common ones are Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, and Butylparaben. While these parabens help preserve the products, they can actually inflict substantial harm to your skin. During pregnancy, you need to be especially cautious as their effects can be even more harmful. 

To learn more about the hidden danger of parabens, keep reading!

Is Paraben Good For Skin?

As the saying goes, too much of anything isn't good—and parabens are no exception. Many cosmetic products contain high levels of these preservatives. Using such products unknowingly and regularly, especially during pregnancy, can lead to the accumulation of parabens in the body. They can be absorbed through the skin and may quietly impact both your health and that of your baby. Additionally, parabens can also be found in the food and drinks you consume. They are used to prevent bacterial growth in packaged foods. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of their presence in everything you apply to your skin and consume. ^{4 5 6} 

5 Harmful Side Effects Of Parabens

#1. Disrupts Hormonal System

Parabens can mimic estrogen, which interferes with your hormone levels. This can cause problems in how your body functions, and over time, it may even affect your ability to conceive. So it's especially important to be cautious about this during pregnancy.   ⁵

#2. Makes Your Skin Age Faster

Many skincare products employ methylparaben to preserve things for longer. However, over a period of time, it slows down your skin's healing process. This results in premature aging and other skin issues. So, opt for paraben-free products to keep your skin healthy. ⁷

#3. Increases Chances Of Skin Cancer

If you unintentionally apply products that contain methylparaben, it accumulates on your skin over a period of time, making it more sensitive. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it disrupts skin cell growth and makes your skin more prone to skin cancer. That's why it's always recommended to read the ingredient labels of your skincare products carefully to avoid problems later.  ⁸

#4. Can Trigger Allergic Reactions

Parabens can trigger allergic reactions and cause skin irritation. If your skin is damaged or hypersensitive, you should be especially careful with the product ingredients list. Research shows that parabens can aggravate existing skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. With this in mind, many brands have stopped using parabens in their antibiotic ointments and creams. ^{9 10}

#5. Possible Link To Breast Cancer

You might already know that breast cancer ranks second in terms of prevalence. It is believed that parabens also lead to breast cancer development. These chemicals mimic estrogen in your body, which helps grow both healthy and cancerous breast cells. When absorbed through the skin—whether from skincare products or packaged food—parabens can trigger the growth of existing cancer cells. Thus, It’s important to always check the ingredients before using any product, particularly during pregnancy.  ^{11 12 13}  

Which Products Contain Parabens

These hidden preservatives are often found in many beauty and skincare products that you use daily. If you use them regularly, it becomes harder to avoid their side effects. These include: ⁴

1. Shampoos
2. Conditioners
3. Lotions
4. Facial and shower cleansers and scrubs

Why Choose Paraben-Free Products

As you know, paraben-containing skincare items cause long-term ill effects. That’s why many brands have ditched this harmful chemical from their formulations. As per EWG and Ecocert, they now opt for natural ingredients as they ensure both product safety and effectiveness.

At Areoveda, we assure to follow this approach to earn the trust of our customers. Not only do we ensure the safety of our ingredients, but we also keep the unique needs of pregnant women, new moms, and newborns in mind while formulating our products. Furthermore, our products are Ecocert Certified, EWG Verified, and Cellularly Proven Safe, guaranteeing over 98% natural ingredients and toxin-free formulations. Enhance your pregnancy glow and nourish your newborn's delicate skin with AreoVeda's trusted, safe, and effective skincare products.

Conclusion

Now that you know the side effects of parabens can be quite harmful to pregnant moms and babies. Therefore, choose your skincare products wisely. Ignoring this can lead to unforeseen health issues in the future. And it's not just limited to skincare – even the food you consume can have preservatives, so it's important to be mindful of what you’re putting into your body.

FAQs

1. Which Parabens Are Restricted In Cosmetics?

Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben are a few parabens that are banned from use. European Union strictly restricts their use of cosmetic products.^{14  15}

2. How Do Parabens Affect Hormonal Activity?

Parabens mimic estrogen, a hormone that controls different body functions. Parabens can disrupt hormonal balance when absorbed, potentially affecting reproductive health and increasing the risk of hormone-related issues, including breast cancer. Opting for paraben-free products is a safer choice. ⁴

3. Are Parabens Bad For Health? 

Parabens have preservative properties in food, medicine, and other personal care items. They enter the human body through the skin, nose, or mouth. Some studies have indicated that parabens may also affect respiratory functions and cardiovascular health. ¹⁶