If you've bought cosmetics lately, you may notice that some labels say “paraben-free." You may wonder: What exactly are parabens? And are they something you should avoid?

Here's what we know about these common additives.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in food and cosmetic products to give them a longer shelf life.

You can find parabens in skincare products and makeup, including mascara, lipstick, foundation, and concealer. Parabens are also in toothpaste, shampoo, and body lotion. They stop the growth of fungus and bacteria in these products.

Manufacturers have also added parabens to commercial food products since the 1950s. Foods with parabens don't spoil as quickly as they would otherwise. Parabens are in soft drinks, frozen dairy products, cereals, beer, processed vegetables, and condiments.

Parabens also occur naturally in some foods, like blueberries and barley.

Do Parabens Get Into the Body — and Are They Safe?

Parabens do get absorbed through your skin via lotion, shampoo, makeup, and other skin care products. They also enter the bloodstream through foods that we eat. Most people in the U.S. have some level of parabens in their bodies.

In recent years, researchers have become concerned about parabens, asking questions such as: Are parabens bad for skin? Do parabens cause cancer?

The answers aren't clear.

Some studies have suggested that parabens act like the hormone estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a female hormone that can causes breast cells (normal and cancerous) to grow and divide. In addition to raising the risk of breast cancer, hormone disruption can lead to weight gain, early puberty, and irregular periods.

Because of these concerns, a number of countries in Europe and Southeast Asia have banned the use of some parabens in cosmetics.

However, parabens are still in many products in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't have any specific regulations against preservatives in skincare products. Cosmetic products and ingredients other than color additives do not need FDA approval before they go on the market.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that health effects from low levels of parabens are unknown. They continue to look at scientific studies about potential hazards of parabens.

How Do I Know If a Product Contains Parabens?

Products in the U.S. must list their ingredients on the packaging. Parabens are easy to spot because they contain the word “paraben" as a suffix. Some common parabens are:

  • Methylparaben
  • Ethylparaben
  • Propylparaben
  • Butylparaben
  • Isobutylparaben

Manufacturers sometimes use parabens in combination with other preservatives to protect against a broad range of microbes.

Should I Buy Paraben-Free Skincare Products?

Scientific studies about the safety of parabens are ongoing. Whether or not you buy paraben-free lotion, makeup, and other products is a personal choice.

If you decide to go paraben-free, know that:

  • Paraben-free products are not hard to find. Many natural and organic skincare products today are paraben-free. Most commercial brands of deodorants no longer contain parabens.
  • You should check ingredients. Read the ingredient list to check for parabens. Or simply look for products labeled “paraben-free."
  • You need to use them quickly. Be aware that paraben-free products have a shorter shelf life than those with preservatives. You'll need to replace them more frequently than products containing parabens, so keep an eye on the expiration date.

If you have questions or concerns about parabens and skincare, ask your dermatologist for advice.