Methylparaben
INCI name
- METHYLPARABEN,
Alternative names
- Methyl-4-hydroxybenzoat,
- Methylis parahydroxybenzoas,
- 4-Hydroxybenzoesäure-Methylester,
- Methyl Paraben,
- PHB-Ester,
- P-Hydroxybenzoesäuremethylester,
- Methyl-P-Hydroxybenzoat,
Origin
- synthetic,
Definition
- Parabens,
INCI function
- Preservative,
Substance category
No information available
Characteristics
- Hinders enzymatic activities in the skin and body
- Has been shown in the remnants of breast cancer tumors
- Absorbed in the horny layer
- Perfume belongs to the 20 most-frequent allergens
- Can cause cross allergies
- inhibits the development of microorganisms in cosmetic products
- may have a hormone-active effect
- antimicrobial
CAS-No.
- 99-76-3,
EINECS/EILINCS-No.
- 202-785-7,
Studies, literature and statements
Wikipedia
Parebenes are esters of the para-hydroxybenzoic acid (called PHB esters). They supply a good antimicrobial and fungicidal effect and are therefore used in the pharmaceutical industry, in cosmetics and in specific foodstuffs, often as a preservative.
Next to the desired preservative characteristics, Parebenes have a significant disadvantage: the preservative characteristic is also used if the product is put on the skin, when absorbed by it, it then passes on to the blood in the body and is then stored in the main organs of the body. All enzymatic activity in cosmetic care products which takes place is prevented.
The preservative power is so strong that it is further effective in the human body, and here the normal enzymatic activity is prevented, which can lead to problems because every life process is affected by enzymatic activity. Autopsies performed have demonstrated remnants of methyl-, ethyl- and propylparabenes: The only possibility is that these materials can reach the body and are absorbed through the use of care products and cosmetics.
And parabenes are thought to cause allergies.
Springer Lexikon Kosmetik, page 304
Preservative (works mainly against yeast and fungi). Allergies against PHB esters are possible.
Enzyklopädie der Dermatologie, page 134
Summary name for the different parabenes such as methylparabene, ethylparabene, prophylparabene, butylparabene. Belongs to the 20 most-frequent allergens.
Studie Universität Reading
Reading University in England found parabene in 18 of 20 breast cancer tumors at the beginning of 2004.
Dermatologie MLP Duale Reihe, page 133
Material must be used in combination, because due to its chemically similar characteristics within a group (group allergy) or with chemically different structures (cross-allergies), can cause cross reactions.
Europäische Kommission
Parabens belong to the common preservatives in cosmetics. These are added to the products to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi in cosmetics, for example. However, parabens belong to the group of chemical substances which have a similar effect on hormones, i.e. they can act like their own hormones in the body and thus upset hormone-controlled processes. Parabens are suspected of promoting hormone-related cancers like breast or testicular cancer. In addition, some researchers believe that premature puberty in children is due to parabens. Since October 2014, the EU Commission has banned five parabens in cosmetics. These are some parabens for which there are hardly any safety data. However, the banned representatives are parabens which occur less frequently.
Isopropyl paraben,
Isobutyl paraben,
Phenylparaben,
Pentyl parabens,
Benzyl paraben,
Isobutyl paraben (salts).
Eu adjusted according to
As regards the commonly used parabens propyl parabene and butyl parabene, these remain permitted but new maximum levels apply: If these two parabens are present in a product, the maximum concentration is o.14 percent. These two parabens may no longer be used in baby products for diapers.
The new regulations will apply from April 2015.
Product examples
This list includes 10 random products that contain Methylparaben.
- Care Med Fussfit Basisch
- Biotherm Rides Repair Nuit
- La Roche-Posay Xeroderm
- Cien Duschgel Mit Patchouliöl
- Tigi Bed Head Ego Boost
- Maria Galland Nr. 92 Masque Froid Hydratant
- Mary Kay Eyeliner
- Sensai Kanebo Silk Brightening (Octinoxate) Cream
- Babor Dr. Babor Biogen Cellular Ultimate Repair Cream
- Migros Shaving Cream