Parabens

• Cosmetics and personal care products, including some:
  • Make-up, such as mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, and foundation.
  • Facial cleansers and scrubs.
  • Moisturizers, lotions, and sunscreens.
  • Shampoos, conditioners, and shaving creams.
• Baby products, such as some lotions, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointments.
• Some over-the-counter and prescription medications.
• Some household products, such as some stain removers and pet shampoos.

Scientists are still studying how parabens might affect people’s health.  There is concern that some parabens:

• May interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
• May decrease fertility.

• Consider choosing cosmetics, personal care products, and baby products that use natural preservatives, such as vitamin C (might have words like “ascorbate” or “ascorbic” on the label).
• Try natural oils for skin and hair, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil.
• For infants, consider using plain washcloths instead of baby wipes, and wash their skin with ordinary soap and water.