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

Exercising precautions is a must while using this highly potent skincare ingredient.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Gill, MBBCH, MRCP

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy... more

Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech Experience: 7 years

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more

Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 4 years

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more

• Nov 22, 2023

Image: Shutterstock

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.

In This Article

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

Chemical structure of methylparaben for skin

Image: Shutterstock

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 finding about a study suggesting a possible link between parabens and breast cancer. Upon learning, 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).”

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

Woman with inflamed skin may benefit from methylparaben products

Image: Shutterstock

Methylparaben has antimicrobial and antifungal properties (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

Image: Shutterstock

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

Image: Shutterstock

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 functionⁱXThe function of the endocrine glands that release hormones in the bloodstream, regulating the mood, development, and metabolism of the body. (thyroid and adrenal glandsⁱXSmall, 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.
One of the main concerns regarding methylparaben is it can mimic estrogenⁱXA 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).
Related: 12 Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism And Prevention Tips
A study on mice found that methylparaben could activate TRPA1 channels (sensory neurons) and stimulate pain sensations (6).
Research on toxicity levels of methylparaben shows that it may irritate the skin when used in high concentrations (7).
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).
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?

Plant-based skincare products are safer than methylparaben products

Image: Shutterstock

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!

what products contain methylparaben (infographic)

Methylparaben is used in skin care products as a preservative to increase their shelf life. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of methylparaben make it an excellent choice as a preservative. Since it is used in small concentrations, it is safe on all skin types except sensitive, eczema-prone, and acne-prone skin. However, it has some potential side effects if used in higher concentrations or penetrates the skin and reaches the bloodstream. Always do a patch test before you use products with parabens. You may also look for safer alternatives with plant-based preservatives.

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.

Key Takeaways

Methylparaben is a popular preservative used to make skin care products last longer.
Methylparaben is an antimicrobial and antifungal agent and has no distinct taste or odor.
There are different levels of methylparaben used in skin care products, and it is generally considered safe when used in small amounts.

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!

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. The paraben project
https://bridgettsbeautyblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/the-paraben-project/

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.