The Lab
Specimen No. 0002
AvoidSyntheticpreservativehormone disruptor

Parabens

CAS 99-76-3 · C₈H₈O₃ · methylparaben · propylparaben · butylparaben

Synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen and have been detected in breast tissue. Widely used but increasingly replaced by brands.

high confidence
Researched April 18, 2026

Concerns

  • Estrogen mimicry linked to breast cancer risk [inference]
  • Detected in breast tumor tissue (Darbre et al. 2004)
  • Reproductive toxicity in animal studies
  • EU has banned propyl- and butylparaben in products for children under 3

Regulatory flags

  • EU restricted propyl/butylparaben in cosmetics for children under 3 (2014)
  • EU max 0.19% for propyl/butylparaben in leave-on products

Commonly found in

MoisturizersMakeupShampooPharmaceutical productsBaby wipes

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

Check another ingredient

Search our database of scored cosmetic, food, and household ingredients — or scan a full product label.

Open the Ingredient Lab

Safer swaps · Research references

Based Bodyworks

BASED Body Wash

90/100

Sulfate-free, fragrance-free body wash with no hormone-disrupting ingredients.

Why it's cleaner

No flagged ingredients in our current review; key ingredients include Coco glucoside, Aloe vera, Glycerin.

Coco glucosideAloe veraGlycerinTea tree
View product

Embed this verdict

LabelCleared verdict badge: Parabens — Avoid
<a href="https://labelcleared.com/lab/parabens"><img src="https://labelcleared.com/embed/parabens/badge.svg" alt="LabelCleared verdict badge: Parabens — Avoid" height="34"></a>