Safety of Parabens in Personal Lubricants

What are Parabens?

Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products, including personal lubricants. The most common parabens used are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product.

What are parabens doing in my lubricant?

Parabens are used in lubricants as preservatives and to deter microbial growth. Given the way we use personal lubricant, there is definitely potential for bacteria contamination, so it makes sense to have some sort of anti-bacterial ingredients. However there have been several concerns raised about the safety of parabens.

What are the health concerns about parabens?

While the potential risks of parabens are still very much in debate, there have been two small studies which form the basis for most concerns about parabens. In one study researchers found parabens in the tissue of breast tumors, and the researchers proposed a link between parabens and breast cancer. In a second study researchers argued that parabens accelerated skin aging. Parabens can sensitize the skin and induce an allergic response. Both of these studies have been debated extensively, and while no conclusions have been reached, it has been acknowledged that not enough is known about the potential negative effects of long term exposure to parabens.

Should I avoid personal lubricants with parabens?

On the one hand, when you read the actual scientific papers it is clearly way too early to say that there is a link between cancer and parabens, or between any serious long term health effects and parabens. On the other hand it also is widely acknowledged that parabens (like many other ingredients) can cause allergic reactions, and why not avoid anything that you might react to?

Most water based personal lubricants contain parabens, so avoiding them can be difficult, but there are some lubricants that are paraben free. The bottom line is that in the absence of any definitive scientific data, you need to make a decision for yourself based on what we know, and what level of risk you’re willing to tolerate (it’s like investing in the stock market, only with your genitals). If you’re able to find a personal lubricant that works for you and is paraben free, it seems like that could be the best option, but it is also possible that parabens pose no risk, and they provide an effective form of protection from bacterial contamination.

Read more about parabens:

• Do Antiperspirants and Deodorants Cause Breast Cancer?
• European Commission Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General, Scientific Committee on Consumer Products opinion on Parabens.

Sources:

1. Selected toxicity information from Hazardous Substance Database, National Library of Medicine. Accessed September 23, 2006.
2. Harvey, P.W. “Discussion of Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumors” Journal of Applied Toxicology Volume 24, (2004), 307-310.