ILLUSTRATION.Illustration of parabens are preservatives in cosmetic products.TRIBUNNEWS/IRWAN RISMAWANKONTAN.CO.ID -Jakarta.Parabens are substances that are sometimes found in cosmetic ingredient lists.However, what are parabens?Parabens are ingredients used as preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.Parabens help prevent mold and bacteria from forming and maintain product quality.Summarized from the BEMF Pharmacy page of the University of Sanata Dharma, in chemical terms, parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.In addition, the use of parabens in cosmetics as preservatives is regulated in the Regulation of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) of the Republic of Indonesia No.18 of 2015, concerning Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Materials, which regulates materials that are permitted to be used in cosmetics with restrictions and requirements for use.So, are parabens dangerous to use in cosmetic products?And what is the use of parabens based on BPOM?Also Read: Perspirex Antiperspirant Overcome Excessive Sweating What are parabens?Many care products that contain parabens are shampoos, shaving gels, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, make-up, lotions and toothpastes.The most common types of parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.In product packaging, parabens (para-hydroxybenzoate) can be written with names such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, 4-hydroxy methyl ester benzoic acid, or methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate.Quoted from the Skin Inc page, parabens are also found in various foodstuffs, fruits, and vegetables.Some types of foods that contain parabens are soy, carrots, peanuts, corn, strawberries, blueberries, black tea, and green tea, and many more.Also Read: Must Know!5 Reasons You Should Switch To Natural Skincare Are parabens dangerous?The use of parabens as preservatives in cosmetics has been used since the 1920s, as an alternative to other preservatives that have a negative impact on health.Early research at that time did show that parabens were non-toxic, quickly digested and completely removed from the body.But then, information developed from various studies related to the negative impact of long-term use of parabens on health.Summarized from the Martha Tilaar Group page, the hypothesis about the negative effects of parabens is, among other things, related to the nature of parabens which can resemble the natural hormone estrogen.Also Read: These 5 Skincare Ingredients Tend To Be Hard And Damage Facial Skin, Should Be Avoided!Estrogen is often associated with disorders of the endocrine glands which in turn can cause health problems such as breast cancer, impaired male reproductive function, and skin cancer.However, quoted from Skin Inc., the paraben content in cosmetic products is 100 thousand times less than estradiol, a natural estrogen produced by the body.In addition, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has concluded based on its research, that there is no strong research linking the use of parabens in cosmetics to increase the risk of breast cancer.Then, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also began to study the effects of parabens.The FDA states that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics.The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an organization that publicly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics, also states that using products containing parabens do not have a direct impact on the reproductive system.Also read: Should be avoided, these 5 ingredients should not be used on facial skin What is the use of parabens based on BPOM?In Indonesia, the use of parabens in cosmetic products is regulated in the Regulation of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) of the Republic of Indonesia No.18 of 2015, concerning Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Ingredients.Well, the regulation mentions several types of parabens that are allowed as preservatives in cosmetics.However, its use is still limited with levels not exceeding 0.14% if used as a mixture of ingredients.In addition, parabens should not be used in non-rinse cosmetics that are applied to nappy areas for children under the age of 3 years.So, parabens are substances that are safe to use as preservatives in cosmetic products, but their use is still limited in a certain amount so as not to cause unwanted side effects.Check other News and Articles on Google News