Parabens in Cosmetics
Moderate burden — Parabens in Cosmetics adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Preservatives in lotions, shampoos and make-up.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 56 places parabens in cosmetics in the Moderate band. It scores as it does mainly because of how much everyday contact it involves. The longer-chain parabens are the ones regulators acted on: the EU caps propyl- and butylparaben at 0.14% and bars them from leave-on nappy-area products for under-threes, on weak oestrogenic-activity grounds. Methyl- and ethylparaben are better tolerated and still permitted at higher levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is parabens in cosmetics a toxic exposure?
Parabens in Cosmetics has a Detox Score of 56 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. The longer-chain parabens are the ones regulators acted on: the EU caps propyl- and butylparaben at 0.14% and bars them from leave-on nappy-area products for under-threes, on weak oestrogenic-activity grounds. Methyl- and ethylparaben are better tolerated and still permitted at higher levels.
What is a safer alternative to parabens in cosmetics?
A lower-exposure swap for parabens in cosmetics is: Products preserved with phenoxyethanol or sodium benzoate. The longer-chain parabens are the ones regulators acted on: the EU caps propyl- and butylparaben at 0.14% and bars them from leave-on nappy-area products for under-threes, on weak oestrogenic-activity grounds. Methyl- and ethylparaben are better tolerated and still permitted at higher levels.