Common Skincare Myths: Are Parabens a Problem?
For years, parabens have been the target of well-intentioned, but ultimately misleading, information about being the cause of certain health issues or skincare reactions.
Because of all the talk surrounding parabens as a “toxic” cosmetic ingredient, you might be wondering why they are used in cosmetics, beauty, or skincare products in the first place. They’re actually a group of preservatives that help prevent the development of harmful organisms that would otherwise thrive in makeup and skincare products – making them highly useful in ensuring your skincare products don’t spoil too quickly!
So, how did they get such a bad rap? Join Paula’s Choice Skincare SG in debunking some common skincare myths about parabens.
Parabens: Fact and Fiction
The concern about the use of parabens in skincare products stems from research suggesting they can alter or disrupt the functions of certain biological systems, potentially leading to health problems or causing allergic reactions to skincare products. There are also claims that parabens can cause skin to break down.
The problem with these claims? The studies used to make these alarming allegations did not factor in how parabens are used in cosmetics, beauty, or skincare products.
In some studies, high concentrations (up to 100%) of parabens were used. Much lower amounts, usually less than 1% of total ingredients, are used to preserve cosmetics. In other studies, large quantities of parabens were fed to lab animals, not applied topically as they are with skincare and makeup products.
Let’s clarify a common misconception: Most ingredients applied to your skin do not get into the body. They remain within your skin’s uppermost layers, where they do the most good. One of your skin’s natural roles is to shield the body from external influences, and that includes things we apply to it. Besides, if all those ingredients sailed right through the skin, nothing would be left to protect it and lead to visible improvements.
Back to parabens: Safety panels across the globe have stated that parabens, as currently used in their cosmetic applications, are safe. In fact, they’re among the least-sensitising preservatives available, even more so than several preservatives used in products labelled “paraben-free.”
If you choose to use products that don’t contain parabens, that’s a personal decision — but know that parabens are among the most-researched and safest ingredients to use when it comes to effectively preserving the makeup and skincare products we love.
Check out our beginner's guide to a skincare routine.
References for this information
- Chatterjee, S., Adhikary, S., Bhattacharya, S., Chakraborty, A., Dutta, S., Roy, D., Ganguly, A., Nanda, S., & Rajak, P. (2024). Parabens as the double-edged sword: Understanding the benefits and potential health risks. The Science of the Total Environment, 954, 176547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176547
- Shin, M., Choi, J. W., Lee, S., Kim, S., Kho, Y., Choi, K., & Kim, S. (2022). Pharmacokinetics of transdermal methyl-, ethyl-, and propylparaben in humans following single dermal administration. Chemosphere, 310, 136689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136689
- Janiga-MacNelly, A., McGraw, M., Fernandez-Luna, M. T., & Lavado, R. (2025). Assessment of the toxic effects of parabens, commonly used preservatives in cosmetics, and their halogenated by-products on human skin and endothelial cells. NAM Journal., 100011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.namjnl.2025.100011
- Santos, A. K. D., Da Silva, N. M., Matiucci, M. A., De Marins, A. R., De Campos, T. a. F., De Brito Sodré, L. W., Bezerra, R. a. D., Alcalde, C. R., & Feihrmann, A. C. (2024). Use of encapsulated açaí oil with antioxidant potential in fresh sausage. LWT, 204, 116469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2024.116469
