Parabens and breast cancer.
What is the link?
Is there a link between exposure to parabens and breast cancer?
To date, studies on humans are too limited to say if there is a conclusive link between parabens and breast cancer. However, studies on cells and animals suggest that this association is possible.
Parabens are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that can interfere with your hormones, particularly the female hormone oestrogen. High levels of oestrogen are linked to an increased breast cancer risk.
Parabens can mimic the action of oestrogen or increase its activity. Parabens may also interfere with how hormone levels are controlled in breast tissue, causing increased oestrogen levels. This may be particularly relevant post-menopause when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, and the breast regulates its own oestrogen levels, which are produced in the fat tissue.
Parabens may be involved in various stages of tumour formation and growth and may contribute to the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
For this reason, Breast Cancer UK recommends a precautionary approach and suggests you limit your exposure to parabens as much as possible.
Tips to reduce your exposure to parabens.
Check cosmetics labels.
Actively look for products labeled 'paraben-free'. Also, check the ingredient list and avoid anything that contains words ending in '-paraben' (such as methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben).
Reduce the number of products you use.
The fewer personal care products you apply daily (like lotions, makeup, or hair products), the lower your potential overall exposure to harmful chemicals, including parabens.
Limit processed foods.
Parabens are often used as preservatives in some foods and in packaging. Focus your diet on fresh, whole, and unprocessed ingredients.
Key facts about parabens and breast cancer risk.
- Parabens are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with your hormones, particularly oestrogen.
- Parabens can be found in cosmetics, beauty products, processed and canned food.
- They can enter your body through your skin or the food you eat.
- Reducing your use of cosmetics and beauty products is the best way to reduce your exposure to parabens.
- Some studies suggest that there may be a link between exposure to parabens and breast cancer.
What are parabens?
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in many cosmetics, beauty products and some foods. They stop the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, allowing a longer shelf life.
How can you be exposed to parabens?
Parabens can enter your body through your skin from cosmetics and beauty products such as shampoo, cream and toothpaste. They can also be ingested when eating some processed foods. Studies have shown that practically everyone is exposed to parabens.
The levels of parabens in your body are linked to your use of cosmetics and beauty products containing these chemicals. Reducing your use of these products is an effective way to reduce exposure.
How to identify parabens in cosmetic products and food.
Start your prevention journey today.
To reduce your exposure to parabens, choose one of these three easy changes:
- Switch to 'paraben-free' personal care products: replace daily essentials like lotions, shampoo, body washes, and deodorants with products specifically labelled "Paraben-Free."
- Reduce makeup use: since cosmetics are a major source, try using fewer products or switching your most-used items (like foundation) to paraben-free alternatives.
- Eat fresher foods: parabens can be used in processed foods. Focus on fresh, whole foods and check the ingredient labels on packaged goods to avoid chemical preservatives.
Remember, these small steps can make a big difference. Which one will you try first?
Further reading
For more information, please read our Parabens and Breast Cancer science review.
Last review: Nov-24 | Next review: Nov-27.
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- Harley KG, Kogut K, Madrigal DS, Cardenas M, Vera IA, Meza-Alfaro G, et al. Reducing Phthalate, Paraben, and Phenol Exposure from Personal Care Products in Adolescent Girls: Findings from the HERMOSA Intervention Study. Environ Health Perspect 2016;124:1600–7. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510514.
- Pugazhendhi D, Pope GS, Darbre PD. Oestrogenic activity of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (common metabolite of paraben esters) and methylparaben in human breast cancer cell lines. Journal of Applied Toxicology 2005;25:301–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.1066.
- Wróbel AM, Gregoraszczuk EŁ. Actions of methyl-, propyl- and butylparaben on estrogen receptor-α and -β and the progesterone receptor in MCF-7 cancer cells and non-cancerous MCF-10A cells. Toxicol Lett 2014;230:375–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.08.012.
- Hager E, Chen J, Zhao L. Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031873.
- Tong JH, Elmore S, Huang SS, Tachachartvanich P, Manz K, Pennell K, et al. Chronic Exposure to Low Levels of Parabens Increases Mammary Cancer Growth and Metastasis in Mice. Endocrinology 2023;164. https://doi.org/10.1210/endocr/bqad007.
- Matwiejczuk N, Galicka A, Brzóska MM. Review of the safety of application of cosmetic products containing parabens. Journal of Applied Toxicology 2020;40:176–210. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.3917.
- Food Standards Agency UK. Approved additives and E numbers 2023. https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers (accessed November 17, 2023).
