What Are the Dangers of Propylparaben?
Propylparaben is one of the most widely used preservatives in foods, drugs and cosmetic products. It is prized for its antimicrobial properties and has been in common use since the mid-20th century. It is part of the family of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) esters that also includes ethylparaben, methylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben and benzylparaben. Because it is readily absorbed through the skin and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, its safety has been widely studied. Specific Uses Propylparaben, along with other PHBA esters, is used in more than 22,000 cosmetic products, according to a report in the 2008 issue of the International Journal of Toxicology. In 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement on the use of parabens, including propylparaben, in cosmetic applications. The FDA report observed that parabens were used as a preservative not only in cosmetics but in foods and pharmaceuticals as well. In that report, the FDA
