Parabens are not necessarily dangerous to the skin.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, starting from the end of January, two types of antimicrobial agents and preservatives, namely phenylparaben and chloroacetamide, cannot be used in cosmetics as part of strengthened safety management. Cosmetics containing these ingredients cannot be imported into the country either. Why is it that parabens, among the preservatives used in cosmetics, continue to be a particularly persistent social issue?

Not all parabens are dangerous. There are seven types of parabens permitted for use in cosmetic manufacturing in Korea: phenylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben. Usage limits are set at 0.4% for single parabens and 0.8% for mixed parabens. Benzylparaben and pentylparaben are already banned from use in Korea.

Parabens were developed in the United States in the 1920s. They have been widely used as preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. They are also found in natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, strawberries, cheese, and vinegar. Once ingested, they are metabolized and rapidly excreted in urine, and they do not accumulate in the body. Although some claim that parabens may cause breast and testicular cancer, they are not included in the list of carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an organization under the World Health Organization.

If you have sensitive skin that develops issues even from minor irritations, you need to be extra careful when choosing cosmetics. Commonly referred to as "cosmetic allergy," it can be classified into "irritant contact dermatitis" and "allergic dermatitis."

Irritant contact dermatitis is a reaction that occurs when the concentration of irritating ingredients in cosmetics is high, and it is particularly common in people with atopic, sensitive, or dry skin. A stinging or itching sensation occurs immediately upon application, and symptoms generally appear only on the applied area. The affected area becomes red and itchy, and in severe cases, it may swell. Usually, symptoms disappear soon after discontinuing use, but in severe cases, they may persist for 1 to 2 weeks.

On the other hand, allergic dermatitis is different from irritant contact dermatitis. It refers to cases where the same cosmetic product triggers an abnormal immune response in specific individuals that does not appear in others. It is accompanied by itching and may manifest as eczematous lesions. In severe cases, blisters or oozing may occur, and scratching the affected area can lead to wounds or secondary infections. This reaction does not appear immediately after application but may develop several days to two weeks later. In many cases, symptoms do not improve quickly even after discontinuing use.

If you develop dermatitis after using cosmetics, it is a good idea to check the ingredient list of the product to identify which ingredients do not agree with you.

/Contributor: Director Seo Dong-hye, Areumdaun Nara Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

source Parabens Are Not Unconditionally Dangerous to the Skin. - Your Health Guide, Health Chosun (chosun.com)