Methylparaben and Ethylparaben (E218)

What is methylparaben and what is it used for?

Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Methylparaben and ethylparaben are the shortest-chain members of this family. Any cosmetic product that contains water is a suitable environment for bacteria, yeasts and moulds; preservatives ensure that the product can be used safely for months after opening.

Parabens are cheap, effective and work against a broad range of microbes at low concentrations. That is why they were the most common preservatives for decades. Methylparaben is also authorised as a food preservative under the code E218; the code for ethylparaben is E214.

Which products contain it?

• Moisturising creams, lotions and body milks
• Foundation, mascara and other make-up products
• Shampoos, conditioners and shower gels
• Some medicines and ointments

It usually appears towards the end of the ingredient list, because it is effective at very low concentrations. It is often used together with propylparaben or phenoxyethanol.

Is it harmful? The scientific assessment

Concerns about parabens rest on two points: the weak oestrogen-like effect seen in laboratory studies, and the controversy caused by a study reporting parabens in breast tissue. Later assessments stressed that this study did not show that parabens cause cancer.

The oestrogenic effect increases with chain length; methylparaben and ethylparaben are the weakest members in this respect, and their effect is many times lower than that of the body's own oestrogen. The SCCS has found methyl- and ethylparaben safe within the limits permitted in the EU. In the EU the limit is a maximum of 0.4% for each individually and 0.8% in total for mixtures of parabens (expressed as acid); Turkish cosmetics legislation is also aligned with the EU.

True allergy to parabens is rare and is mostly seen on damaged or eczematous skin, in connection with medicated ointments. The dermatology literature frequently points out that they are well tolerated on intact skin and cause fewer allergies than some alternative preservatives.

Are “paraben-free” products safer?

Not always. A paraben-free product still needs a preservative. Some of the substances used to replace parabens, such as methylisothiazolinone, have caused contact allergy far more often. “Paraben-free” is a marketing choice; on its own it does not mean the product is safer.

What to do when you see it on a label

There is no scientific reason to worry when you see methylparaben or ethylparaben. Those who want to be extra cautious during pregnancy or with baby products can choose leave-on formulas that contain fewer preservatives. If a paraben allergy has been confirmed by a patch test, check the label for any name ending in “-paraben”.