Q&A: Are the preservatives in cosmetics safe?

I've noticed that lots of cosmetics and personal-hygiene products contain the preservative methylparaben. Is that substance safe? —Cherry Hill, N.J.

It is generally thought to be safe, though research is ongoing. Methylparaben and related substances, known collectively as "parabens," are frequently used as preservatives in shampoos, lotions, makeup, and other products. While they are generally considered safe to use on skin, they can in some cases cause irritation to the skin or eyes or allergic skin reactions. In addition, some limited evidence suggests that certain types of parabens may mimic the effects of estrogen, but whether there are any health implications of those findings is still under evaluation. So unless the preservatives irritate your skin or eyes, there’s currently no convincing reason to avoid them.

This article first appeared in the April 2008 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.