“Propylparaben?”Here!a paraben preservative
Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.
In personal care
A synthetic ester related to para-hydroxybenzoic acid, part of the paraben family of preservatives widely used since the mid-20th century.
Why it’s used
Prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in water-containing formulas, extending shelf life and preventing contamination.
What the evidence says
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety have both evaluated propylparaben. The SCCS concluded it is safe up to a maximum concentration of 0.14% as a single paraben, and its 2013 opinion noted insufficient data to rule out effects at that time in combination with other parabens, which led the EU to restrict and, for some uses, prohibit it in products designed for the nappy area of children under three.
Context
The EU restricts propylparaben to a maximum of 0.14% in finished cosmetic products and bans it in leave-on products applied to the nappy area of children under three; this restriction does not apply to its use in other adult cosmetic products at permitted levels.
Rumors
Propylparaben in cosmetics is absorbed through the skin and can be harmful.
We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- ewg.org — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
Propylparaben keeps cosmetics fresh by preventing bacteria, mould and fungi from growing.
We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- lush.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
Long-chain parabens such as propylparaben are a health risk to people and the environment.
We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.
A claim about long-chain parabens as a group, not this substance alone.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- David Suzuki Foundation — an advocacy group: environmental non-profit working to conserve nature and create a sustainable Canada
How we know who this is
- “Founded in 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation is a national, bilingual non-profit organization headquartered in Vancouver, with offices in Toronto and Montreal.” (their page)
- “Through evidence-based research, education and policy analysis, we work to conserve and protect the natural environment, and help create a sustainable Canada.” (their page)
- David Suzuki Foundation — an advocacy group: environmental non-profit working to conserve nature and create a sustainable Canada
Parabens mimic estrogen and increase the risk of breast cancer.
We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.
A claim about parabens as a group, not this substance alone.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- David Suzuki Foundation — an advocacy group: environmental non-profit working to conserve nature and create a sustainable Canada
How we know who this is
- “Founded in 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation is a national, bilingual non-profit organization headquartered in Vancouver, with offices in Toronto and Montreal.” (their page)
- “Through evidence-based research, education and policy analysis, we work to conserve and protect the natural environment, and help create a sustainable Canada.” (their page)
- David Suzuki Foundation — an advocacy group: environmental non-profit working to conserve nature and create a sustainable Canada
Propylparaben is a hormone disruptor that mimics hormones and interferes with hormone signaling.
We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- ewg.org — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it