Parabens
Learn about parabens.
On this page
About parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals most commonly used as:
- preservatives
- antimicrobials
- flavour enhancers
- fragrance ingredients
They can be ingredients in a number of everyday products, such as:
- drugs
- cosmetics
- pesticides
- natural health products
Some parabens are permitted food additives and can also occur naturally in some foods.
Safety of parabens
Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
We have completed the draft assessment of parabens. We are proposing that some parabens may pose a risk to your health:
- methylparaben and propylparaben in:
- natural health products
- butylparaben and iso-butylparaben in:
- cosmetics
- natural health products
- non-prescription drugs
These chemicals may cause:
- effects on the spleen and thyroid
- damage to the lining of the stomach
- developmental and/or reproductive impacts
We are also proposing that:
- parabens used as food additives and those that occur naturally in food do not pose a risk to your health
- ethylparaben, benzylparaben and iso-propylparaben are not harmful to your health at current levels of exposure
- none of the assessed parabens cause harm to the environment
What we're doing
Our assessment is not yet final. We are continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by parabens before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help shape our final assessment
Currently, there are restrictions on some parabens in Canada. These restrictions limit the amount that can be used in natural health products and as food preservatives.
If the proposed findings for parabens are confirmed in the final chemical risk assessment, we will consider:
- adding methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and iso-butylparaben to the List of Toxic Substances
- adding butylparaben and iso-butylparaben to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
- revising the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) to reduce exposures to:
- methylparaben and propylparaben in:
- natural health products
- butylparaben and iso-butylparaben in:
- natural health products
- non-prescription drugs
- methylparaben and propylparaben in:
What you can do
Consumers are reminded to:
- read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
- labels on cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients
- food additives must be included in the list of ingredients on prepackaged foods
- contact the manufacturer if you are unsure whether a product contains parabens
- use over-the-counter products that have a drug identification number (DIN) or natural product number (NPN)
- these numbers mean Canada has evaluated the product and it is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act
- dispose of the product safely by following the manufacturer's directions
- provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period
If you are exposed to parabens at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
For more information
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada's system for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan