Methylparaben may not be your first thought when thinking about beauty and skincare elements. Instead, the oils we all know and love, for example, argan or jojoba, and humectants, like aloe vera, are more likely to spring to mind.
However, this is a popular cosmetic ingredient found in everything from cream cleansers and moisturizers to primers and foundations. Its role in these beauty products is to help maintain their effectiveness, preventing the growth of germs and bacteria inside products.
But how does it affect the skin, if at all?
We explain what methylparaben does, and the role it plays in your cosmetic routine.
Table of Contents
What Is A Methylparaben?
Methylparaben is a type of paraben, a group of chemicals that give products longer shelf life.
Parabens are from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), a chemical that occurs naturally in plants. The bulk of parabens found in products are synthetic and not natural parabens.
This paraben is an antifungal agent and paraben mix that you may find in most cosmetic products because it prevents germ growth.
It also acts as a preservative not just in cosmetics but in some fruits and foods.
Other Parabens Include:
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Nipagin
- Isobutylparaben
- Propylparaben
Which Cosmetics Can You Find It In?
Cosmetics that may contain parabens include:
- liquid and powder foundations
- body and face moisturizers
- cream and powder blush
- hair care products
- sunscreen
- shaving products
- lipstick
- lip balm
- petroleum jelly
What Are Its Benefits Then?
Like we’ve said, the role of this ingredient is primarily to improve the quality and longevity of the products you use. It doesn’t really do much for the health or aesthetic of your skin and hair.
For products, it acts as:
- An antifungal and antibacterial ingredient that prevents harmful mold, bacteria, and fungi from forming and infecting your products. This also protects you from infections.
- A preservative by preventing bacteria from forming. Decreasing fungal growth preserves product ingredients and prolongs the product’s shelf life.
But Is It Actually Safe For Skin & Hair?
Generally speaking, it is safe, yes.
When used correctly, it may not be harmful to the skin. However, it may be best for anyone with sensitive skin to avoid applying products with this ingredient. The best thing to do is to test the product on a small area first.
Potential Side Effects Include:
- Hives
- Itchiness
- Rash
- Flaking or peeling skin
- Swelling
- Potential effects on hormone functions. Parabens are xenoestrogens, which means they may mimic hormones such as estrogen.
- Potential links to breast cancer, although the research is not yet conclusive
If you’re not 100% sold on using products with parabens, you can use paraben-free cosmetics.
If a product is paraben-free, the label will typically say “free from parabens” or “0% parabens”.
You can also look at the ingredients list on the back of the bottle if you’re not too sure whether a product is paraben-free.
How To Use Methylparaben In Your Beauty Routine
There aren’t any huge considerations you need to make when including this ingredient in your skin and hair care routine. It has mild to no side effects unless you have sensitive skin. In that case, you should avoid it altogether.
As a matter of fact, you’ve probably been using it in many products without even knowing it. In short, you can use it at any time and as many times as you’d like. So, you don’t have to worry about only applying it at night or checking if you don’t have more than one product that contains it.
Takeaway
Choosing safe and sustainable skincare products for your skin, hair, and overall health is crucial. Part of this means knowing what the ingredients in your products do.
Parabens are preservatives used in a large number of cosmetics, personal hygiene, and pharmaceutical products. Methylparaben, generally, is safe to use anytime and as much as you’d like.
But if you have sensitive skin, there are alternatives to choose from. You may also consider going paraben-free.