Parabens In Cosmetics Research Articles

A systematic review of the toxic potential of parabens in fish.

Parabens are the most prevalent ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs). They are colorless and tasteless and exhibit good stability when combined with other components. Because of these unique physicochemical properties, they are extensively used as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Their release into the aquatic ecosystem poses potential threats to aquatic organisms, including fish. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) using the search term parabens and fish and sorted 93 articles consisting of methyl paraben (MTP), ethyl paraben (ETP), propyl paraben (PPP), butyl paraben (BTP), and benzyl paraben (BNP) in several fish species. Furthermore, we confined our search to six fish species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio; fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas; Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus; and zebrafish, Danio rerio) and four common parabens (MTP, ETP, PPP, and BTP) and sorted 48 articles for review. Our search indicates that among all six fish, zebrafish was the most studied fish and the MTP was the most tested paraben in fish. Moreover, depending on the alkyl chain length and linearity, long-chained parabens were more toxic than the parabens with short chains. Parabens can be considered endocrine disruptors (EDs), targeting estrogen-androgen-thyroid-steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways, blocking the development and growth of gametes, and causing intergenerational toxicity to impact the viability of offspring/larvae. Paraben exposure can also induce behavioral changes and nervous system disorders in fish. Although the USEPA and EU limit the use of parabens in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, their prolonged persistence in the environment may pose an additional health risk to humans.

Development of a novel hybrid POSS nanocomposite for the detection of parabens in environmental samples

The daily use of personal care products exposes us to various chemicals, including parabens. Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics due to their strong antimicrobial properties. Excessive exposure to parabens from multiple products can have negative side effects on human health. Additionally, it poses a significant environmental concern as high concentrations of parabens have been found in environmental samples, leading to pollution and toxicity in aquatic species through indirect exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the presence of parabens in cosmetics and water samples. In this study, an electrochemical sensor was developed using a hybrid nanocomposite composed of vinyl functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (V-POSS) embedded multi-layer graphene (MLG). The combination of these materials resulted in excellent charge transferability and conductivity, making them suitable for the sensor. The nanocomposite was characterized using various techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), water contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical characterization of the V-POSS: MLG nano-interfacing element demonstrated a detection limit (S/N:3) of 0.29 nM for methylparaben (MP), 0.11 nM for ethylparaben (EP) and 0.2 nM for propylparaben (PP). Finally, the sensor was successfully applied to the analysis of cosmetics and water samples, showing good recovery rates (95–110 %) with minimal interference.

Understanding parabens – A literature review

Parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid that are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products, among other excipients, for their preservative and antimicrobial properties. However, since the late 1900s, parabens’ use and safety have been surrounded by controversies relating to the potential causes of endocrine disruption, infertility, allergic skin reactions, and various cancers. Despite parabens being under a cloud of suspicion, these compounds have succeeded in extensive skin testing conducted by a variety of organizations in the United States. By dispelling misconceptions about the Paraben Paradox Theory, our review is aimed at determining the safety of topically applied parabens in cosmetics, the availability of alternatives, and their side effects.

Rethinking for Natural Pharmaceutical Technology: Parabens as Cosmetic Preservatives and their Potential as Chemical Endocrine Disruptors

Background: The movement of conscious consumption is growing rapidly. The idea of leaving behind synthetic products and substances that generate waste from their production to their final disposal grows and widens the gap between the old capitalist paradigm and the concept of naturism. It includes environmental awareness, taking care of our body, and the conscious choice of what we eat, wear, and use in daily life, including cosmetic products. Objective:: This study aimed to explore a new paradigm of formulation and consumption. A group of parabens was selected, and their replacement with preservatives approved for natural cosmetics was proposed. Some of the risks associated with the consumption of parabens in food, cosmetics, and medicines, were also examined. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of preservatives for the product and consumer were also discussed. Methods:: For data collection, publications in indexed journals were searched, with the keywords: parabens, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and skin conditions related to the use of parabens. Results:: Recent studies have reported that by using parabens in skin products, we create an imbalance in the skin flora. This preservative decreases the defense capacity of our first immune line and causes disorders that lead to irritation, rosacea spots, oiliness, and sectorized peeling. Furthermore, parabens are exogenous substances that alter the functions of the endocrine system and can cause adverse health effects. Conclusion:: In Argentina, compounds from the paraben family are used by many brands as preservatives, which are dangerous to health and the environment. Therefore, a conscious, sustainable, biodegradable, and cruelty-free alternative is needed to replace parabens in cosmetics

Health safety of parabens evaluated by selected in vitro methods

Seven selected parabens (4 allowed, 3 banned in cosmetics) were tested in order to confirm and expand historical data on their toxicological properties and safety. The aim was to apply novel in vitro methods, which have been sufficiently technically and scientifically validated for the purposes of toxicological testing of chemicals. The study included several toxicological endpoints such as skin/eye irritation, skin sensitization, endocrine disruption and genotoxicity. The battery of selected methods comprised regulatory accepted EpiDerm™ skin model (OECD TG 439); EpiOcular™ corneal model (OECD TG 492) and scientifically valid test method HET-CAM (DB-ALM Protocol No. 47); in chemico test DPRA (OECD TG 442C); in vitro test LuSens (OECD TG 442D) and in vitro test h-CLAT (OECD TG 442E); Ames MPF™ (Xenometrix) and XenoScreen YES/YAS (Xenometrix). Overall, none of the 4 allowed parabens exhibited skin/eye irritation or genotoxicity. However, all allowed parabens in cosmetics were predicted as samples with potentially sensitizing properties in the LuSens and h-CLAT test methods, but not confirmed by DPRA. Endocrine disruption was recorded only at high concentrations, whereas methyl paraben and ethyl paraben exhibited the lowest activity. This study confirmed the safety of use of the allowed parabens in the highest recommended concentrations in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

Implication of parabens in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals: Advantages and limitations.

Cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and variable healthcare products used parabens, among other excipients, for their preservative and antimicrobial activities. Paraben derivatives exhibit distinguished physiochemical properties that enable them to be compatible with the formulation of cosmetic agents in different dosage forms. In addition to their potency and efficacy, parabens are economically efficient as they have low-manufacturing costs. Despite the desirable characteristics, the safety of parabens use is controversial after detecting these chemicals in various biological tissues after repetitive and long-term use of formulations containing them. The use of parabens drew public health attention after scientific reports linked skin exposure to parabens with health issues, in particular, breast cancer. In response, worldwide authorities set regulations for the allowance concentrations of paraben to be used in variable cosmetic products.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis after the Use of Cosmetics Containing Parabens: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Parabens are among the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic formulations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the use of parabens in cosmetics. A systematic review was performed with searches in PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct, in addition to a manual search. Interventional or observational studies that assessed the incidence of ACD in individuals using parabens were included. The quality of the articles was assessed and the data were extracted for a qualitative synthesis and single-arm meta-analysis. Fourteen studies (8 longitudinal, 3 cross-sectional, 1 quasi experimental and 2 case reports) were included in the systematic review and had their data extracted. Twelve studies reported ACD after the use of parabens and were included in the single-arm meta-analysis, resulting in an ACD incidence of 0.9%[95%CI: 0.4-2.0%], thus classified as a rare event. This result was related to already sensitized skin in most cases. In addition, the concentration of parabens in the contact test was above that recommended in cosmetics. The incidence of ACD due to parabens is rare, but further studies with control groups and at the usual concentrations of parabens are needed to better evaluate the results.

An in vitro assessment for human skin exposure to parabens using magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with HPLC

Skin contact was a significant source of human exposure to parabens during the use of personal care products. In this study, a novel and simple in vitro evaluation method for human skin exposure to parabens was established for the first time. Firstly, magnetic porous carbon (MPC) derived from discarded cigarette butts was prepared as an adsorbent of magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE), which provided a fast and efficient sample preparation method with satisfactory extraction performance for parabens in cosmetics and was easy to couple with high performance liquid chromatography. Secondly, the extraction conditions were optimized including the etching ratio of KOH, amount of MPC, extraction time, pH, salt concentration, desorption solvent volume and desorption time. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection were between 0.25 and 0.34 ng mL−1 and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 85.8–112.6%. Thirdly, the developed method was successfully employed to determine five typical parabens in real unspiked cosmetic samples, and two parabens were detected at a relatively high level. Then, the developed method was applied to in vitro assays. The absorbable dose of parabens in cream was investigated and in vitro experiments were further designed with agarose-simulated skin to demonstrate the penetration ability of parabens. In conclusion, these results indicated that parabens did have the risk of entering the body through the skin and the exposure was preferably no more than 3 h with skin contact.

Determination of four parabens in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography with magnetic solid-phase and ionic dispersive liquid–liquid extraction

Abstract To determine the trace amount of four benzoic acid esters in cosmetics, ionic dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and magnetic solid-phase extraction were combined and optimized. After solvent optimization, 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was selected as the extraction solvent to form hydrophobic droplets in the process of ionic DLLME, followed by removal of ions from the sample solution containing Fe3O4@GO nano-materials. The magnetic nano-materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Some parameters affecting the efficiency of extraction were optimized using Box-Behnken design. Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection for all the preservatives was less than 0.135 mg/L and the accuracy ranged from 88.5% to 101%. This technology could determine the trace amount of preservatives in cosmetics with comparatively higher accuracy and sensitivity.

Microextraction by packed sorbent optimized by statistical design of experiment as an approach to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of HPLC-UV determination of parabens in cosmetics

A new approach to the quantitative analysis of parabens (PBs) in cosmetics, based on microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) followed by HPLC-UV detection is proposed. The development of optimal conditions for the sample preparation step was carried out in two stages. The potentially important factors that could influence the extraction were screened using the Plackett–Burman design approach, as a result of which, three statistically significant factors were selected from the nine studied. Thereafter, the selected variables were optimized by response surface methodology using a Central Composite Design. Under optimal conditions, the linear ranges for PBs analysis in cosmetic samples were 0.05–4 μg/mL with excellent precision. Limits of detection (LOD) of PBs in cosmetic samples were 2–5 ng/mL, and the extraction recovery ranged from 89 to 105 %. By comparing the chromatograms of the diluted shampoo sample before and after MEPS, the benefits of developed approach were shown. Then it was applied to the analysis of PBs in commercial hair cosmetic products: parabens were determined in all samples in which they were indicated on the package and in 1 of 12 samples labeled “paraben-free”. Finally, the proposed method was compared with other analytical HPLC-UV methods with various sample pretreatment techniques for PBs analysis in cosmetics described in recent articles. Its sensitivity turned out to be one of the highest, while it is express, automated, meets the principles of green chemistry.

Paper spray tandem mass spectrometry: A rapid approach for the assay of parabens in cosmetics and drugs.

A fast methodology for the assay of parabens in drug and cosmetic preparations has been presented. The procedure developed is based on paper spray tandem mass spectrometry and isotope dilution approach. For each investigated paraben, the corresponding labeled standard has been used in order to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the analyses. The MS experiments have been performed under MRM conditions, monitoring the transitions [M-H]- → m/z 92 and [M-H]- → m/z 98, respectively, for each analyte and the corresponding labeled internal standard. The quantitative assay has been performed using a calibration curve built from 2 to 15 mg/L. The method accuracy, in all case near 100%, was evaluated using fortified samples at two concentration levels, which are representative of the lower and the higher portion of calibration curve. The good values of LOQ, LOD, and reproducibility confirm the consistency of the developed approach.

Trace determination of parabens in cosmetics and personal care products using fabric-phase sorptive extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection.

A simple, fast, and sensitive analytical protocol using fabric-phase sorptive extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection has been developed and validated for the extraction of five parabens including methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and benzylparaben. In the present work, sol-gel polyethylene glycol coated fabric-phase sorptive extraction membrane is used for the preconcentration of parabens (polar) from complex matrices. The use of fabric-phase sorptive extraction membrane provides a high surface area which offers high sorbent loading, shortened equilibrium time, and overall decrease in the sample preparation time. Various factors affecting the performance of fabric-phase sorptive extraction, including extraction time, eluting solvent, elution time, and pH of the sample matrix, were optimized. Separation was performed using a mobile phase consisting of water:acetonitrile (63:37; v/v) at an isocratic elution mode at a flow rate of 0.9mL/min with wavelength at 254nm. The calibration curves of the target analytes were prepared with good correlation coefficient values (r2 >0.9955). The limit of detection values range from 0.252 to 0.580ng/mL. Finally, the method was successfully applied to various cosmetics and personal care product samples such as rose water, deodorant, hair serum, and cream with extraction recoveries ranged between 88 and 122% with relative standard deviation <5%.

Tailoring the electrochemical interface of mesoporous carbon with ubiquinone for detection of parabens in cosmetics

AbstractQuality assessment of paraben in cosmetic products is in need to avoid and control the deadly side effect caused in humans. Though, there are various studies reported on sensing paraben electrochemically, the use of chemical modifiers is restricted to carbon based materials due to its efficiency but, the mesoporous carbon with high surface area and electron transfer property is hitherto unexplored. Here, we have investigated the sensing of paraben and its derivatives by using ubiquinone (Q10) introduced mesoporous carbon (MPC) via cyclic voltammetric (CV) and differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) techniques. The morphological studies of MPC showed rod shaped structure. The pore size and the pore volume were found to be 3.93 nm and 0.4 cm3/g respectively. The fabricated sensor showed good electrocatalytic activity for detecting methyl, ethyl and propyl paraben with the detection limit of 0.26 μM, 0.3 μM and 1.07 μM, respectively. Real time measurements of the modification were further utilized for commercially available cosmetic samples.

Review of the safety of application of cosmetic products containing parabens.

Cosmetics are a source of lifetime exposure to various substances including parabens, being the most popular synthetic preservatives. Because the use of cosmetics shows an increasing trend and some adverse health outcomes of parabens present in these products have been reported, the present review focused on the safety of dermal application of these compounds. Special attention has been paid to the absorption of parabens and their retention in the human body in the intact form, as well as to their toxicological characteristics. Particular emphasis has been placed on the estrogenic potential of parabens. Based on the available published data of the concentrations of parabens in various kinds of cosmetics, the average ranges of systemic exposure dose (SED) for methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben have been calculated. Safety evaluations [margin of safety (MoS)] for these compounds, based on their aggregate exposure, have also been performed. Moreover, evidence for the negative impact of methylparaben on skin cells has been provided, and the main factors that may intensify dermal absorption of parabens and their impact on the skin have been described. Summarizing, the use of single cosmetics containing parabens should not pose a hazard for human health; however, using excessive quantities of cosmetic preparations containing these compounds may lead to the development of unfavorable health outcomes. Due to the real risk of estrogenic effects, as a result of exposure to parabens in cosmetics, simultaneous use of many cosmetic products containing these preservatives should be avoided.

Factors determining the level of knowledge about parabens in cosmetics

Factors determining the level of knowledge about parabens in cosmetics

Covalent immobilization of metal organic frameworks onto chemical resistant poly(ether ether ketone) jacket for stir bar extraction

Preparation of stir bar extraction (SBSE) device with high physical and chemical stability is important and challenging by date. A novel poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) tube with excellent mechanical property and chemical stability was firstly used as jacket of metal bar for preparation of stir bar. By employing covalent modification method, the inherent chemical resistant problem of PEEK which restricts the modification of sorbents was well solved. After functionalization, plenty of benzoic acid groups were formed onto the PEEK jacket. Metal organic frameworks of aluminium-based Materials of Institute Lavoisier-68 (MIL-68) was in situ immobilized onto the PEEK surface (MIL-68@PEEK) by the bonding with benzoic acid groups. Afterwards, a facile dumbbell-shaped structure was designed for reducing the friction between sorbents and bottom of container. Due to superior property of the PEEK jacket and the covalent modification method, the MIL-68 modified PEEK jacket SBSE device showed good robustness. After coupling with HPLC-MS/MS, the MIL-68@PEEK-based SBSE device was used to analyse of three parabens including methyl paraben, ethyl paraben and propyl paraben. The method had low limit detection up to 1 pg mL−1 with good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9978) and good reproducibility (relative standard deviation ≤ 9.74%). The method has been applied to the detection of parabens in cosmetics and rabbit plasma after painted with cosmetics with recoveries between 73.25% and 104.23%.

A new generation of nano-structured supramolecular solvents based on propanol/gemini surfactant for liquid phase microextraction

A new supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) made up of aggregates of gemini surfactant was introduced. A microextraction method, based on the SUPRAS followed with high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection, was applied for the determination of parabens in cosmetics, beverages and water samples. A SUPRAS is a nano-structured liquid made up of surfactant aggregates synthesized through a self-assembly process. In the present work, a new gemini-based SUPRAS was introduced. Methyl paraben (MP), ethyl paraben (EP), and propyl paraben (PP) were extracted on the basis of π–cation and Van der Waals interactions into the SUPRAS. The parameter affecting the extraction of target analytes (i.e., the amount of surfactant and volume of propanol as major components comprising the supramolecular solvent, sample solution pH, salt addition, ultrasonic and centrifugation time) were investigated and optimized by one-variable-at-a-time method. Under the optimum conditions, the preconcentration factors of 98, 143 and 156 were obtained for MP, EP and PP, respectively. The linearity ranged from 0.5 to 0.7–200 μg L−1 with the correlation of determination of (R2) ≥ 0.9938. The gemini-based SUPRAS followed by HPLC-UV has been found to have excellent detection sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 0.5 μg L−1 for EP and PP, and 0.7 μg L−1 for MP. Good recoveries over the range of 92.0–108.3% assured the accuracy of the amount of parabens distinguished in the non-spiked samples.

A new flow-injection chromatography method exploiting linear-gradient elution for fast quantitative screening of parabens in cosmetics

Linear gradient elution flow injection chromatography with flow rate modulation was used for the determination of 4 parabens.

EC issues new rules to regulate use of parabens in cosmetics

EC issues new rules to regulate use of parabens in cosmetics

Determination of Parabens in Cosmetics by Liquid-Phase Microextractions and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection

To deal the stubborn problem arising from oily matrix of cosmetics in the chromatography of parabens, an efficient, rapid, and economic sample preparation method is proposed involving separation of matrix material by extraction with 1 mL of isooctane/1-octanol (50:50, v/v) in the presence of 1 mL of 1 mol/L sodium hydroxide, and centrifugation. Then, parabens in the alkaline solution were preconcentrated, after acidification, by liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction using 200 µL of isooctane/1-octanol (50:50, v/v) as organic solvent and 5 µL of 0.1 mol/L of sodium hydroxide as the acceptor drop. Using the optimized procedure, the method provided a rectilinear graph for 0.01–8 mg/kg of parabens with correlation coefficient (r) in the range 0.9982–0.9990, limit of detection in the range 1.7–4.3 µg/kg, and enrichment factor in the range 79–118. Intra-day (and inter-day) RSD at 0.01 and 5 mg/kg spiked levels of parabens were found as 7.7% (9.2%) and 4.7% (5.6%), respectively. Average recovery of spiked amounts of parabens to cosmetics was 98.9% with an average RSD of 6.1%. A distinct superiority of the present method in terms of sensitivity attained for parabens was evident over HPLC and CE methods that used UV detection, and some others where mass spectrometric detection was used.