How To Use Methylparaben For Skin, Benefits, & Side Effects

Methylparaben is an ingredient used in skincare products. It has antimicrobial properties and is mostly used as a preservative to increase the longevity of skin care products. However, most people try to avoid methylparaben for skin. Is it risky to use? Can it harm your skin? Read this article to clear all your doubts related to methylparaben.

Know Your Ingredient: Methylparaben

What Is It?
A common paraben used in cosmetics to prevent germ growth.

What Are Its Benefits?
They stop dangerous fungi, bacteria, and mold from contaminating your makeup products.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can use methylparaben except people with sensitive, allergic, or eczema-prone skin types.

How Often?
Products containing methylparaben can be used every day if used in moderation.

Caution
Methylparaben can cause allergic reactions in people. Some studies show that it may also cause cancerous skin damage in some cases.

What Is Methylparaben And Why Is It Used In Skin Care?

Parabens are preservative esters added to skin care products in concentrations of 0.8% (a blend of parabens) to 0.4% (individual paraben) (1). Parabens are of different types:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Isopropyl paraben
• Butylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Benzylparaben

Did You Know?

Methylparaben looks like crystalline powder or colorless crystals. It is also known as Nipagin M.

Beth, a blogger, discusses her focus on health and beauty products that are “paraben-free” due to her findings about a study suggesting a possible link between parabens and breast cancer. Upon learning this, she ran to her bathroom to check for parabens in her skincare and beauty products. She wrote, “Not only did tons of the products contain them, some had parabens listed in the first few ingredients. Even worse, many of my all-time-favorite products (that I use every day!) contained parabens (i).”

So, for those seeking an answer to the question “what are parabens,” learning more about them will help you understand why certain brands add parabens to their products. Out of all, methylparaben is frequently used in cosmetics. It naturally occurs in blueberries and is developed synthetically in labs (2). It is used in cleansers, lotions, moisturizers, masks, gels, skin creams, tanning lotions, and baby skin care products (between 0.3% and 0.5%). Methylparaben serves a purpose in skin care products. Let’s take a look at its benefits.

Benefits Of Adding Methylparaben To Skin Care Products

1. Methylparaben has antimicrobial and antifungal properties (2).
2. It has no specific odor or taste, a neutral pH level, and does not discolor or turn murky. This property of methylparaben increases the shelf life of the products.

Methylparaben is not available as a separate ingredient and has no such skin benefits. It is incorporated in products.

What about using methylparaben for hair? Does it have any benefits? Let’s find out.

Methylparaben For Hair

Methylparaben may help prevent fungal growth and infections on the scalp. This can be attributed to its antimicrobial properties. While there is limited research in this regard, anecdotal records suggest that methylparaben can help combat scalp dandruff.

However, methylparaben may also cause certain side effects.

Some believe the compound may lead to hair loss or scalp irritation for individuals with sensitive skin.

Along with methylparaben, propylparaben is another compound used in cosmetic products. How are the two different?

Methylparaben And Propylparaben

Propylparaben is also used in cosmetics as a preservative, owing to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, it differs from methylparaben primarily in terms of toxicity. Methylparaben is less toxic than propylparaben (3).

As we saw, methylparaben may cause adverse effects too. But you may mitigate most of them by using it right. Learn more in the next section.

How To Use Methylparaben And How Often

Methylparaben is used in different concentrations (not more than 0.5%) in all skin care products. You can use them as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

It can be used on all skin types except eczema-prone, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Methylparaben is used in small concentrations in products and considered to be safe. However, there are some side effects you need to be aware of.

Side Effects Of Methylparaben

1. Parabens may increase the risk of breast cancer as they penetrate the skin and remain in the breast tissue (4). They can also disrupt endocrine functionⁱ  The function of the endocrine glands that release hormones in the bloodstream, regulating the mood, development, and metabolism of the body. (thyroid and adrenal glandsⁱ  Small, triangular glands located above both kidneys that release hormones to regulate your metabolism and carry on other functions. ) and cause structural and functional changes in the skin. This may increase the skin’s rate of UV absorption and increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. One of the main concerns regarding methylparaben is it can mimic estrogenⁱ  A class of hormones responsible for developing and regulating the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. and may disrupt hormonal balance and thyroid function (5).
   
3. A study on mice found that methylparaben could activate TRPA1 channels (sensory neurons) and stimulate pain sensations (6).
4. Research on toxicity levels of methylparaben shows that it may irritate the skin when used in high concentrations (7).
5. Methylparaben may have a disruptive effect on the reproductive system in women. Research shows that parabens remain in the blood and affect menstruation and cause reproductive issues (4).
6. Parabens may cause allergic contact dermatitis and lead to skin inflammation such as blisters, burning sensations, and rashes (4).

Trivia

Methylparaben may react with UVB when applied to the skin and cause DNA damage and skin aging (8), (9).

Parabens are used in low concentrations in skin and personal care products. However, if you want to avoid them completely, you can go for safer alternatives.

Are There Safer Alternatives?

There are many paraben-free products available on the market. These are safer options and don’t affect your health and skin as parabens do. Also, you can check for beauty products with plant-based preservatives.

Infographic: What Products Contain Methylparaben?

Methylparaben is a type of paraben that is commonly used as a preservative in a wide range of products. It is most commonly found in cosmetics, where it is used as an antimicrobial preservative. In the infographic below, you will find a list of products that contain methylparaben. Take a look to stay informed!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does methylparaben cause acne?

Yes. Methylparaben can mimic estrogen, leading to a hormonal imbalance in the body which may contribute to acne breakouts.

Is methylparaben safe for babies?

Though methylparaben is found in many baby products, it has not yet been proven safe for babies.

Is methylparaben an active ingredient?

No, methylparaben is an inactive ingredient used as a preservative in various products.

What is another name for methylparaben?

Methylparaben may also be referred to as methyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, p-carbo methoxyphenol, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester.

Illustration: How To Use Methylparaben For Skin Benefits & Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Methylparaben is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. Learn more about its safety and uses in this informative video, now!