A highly controversial preservative has been classified as extremely concerning by ECHA but continues to be used in sunscreens
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousA molecule widely used in cosmetics, and in particular in sun creams, and for some time the subject of perplexity, it has come under the magnifying glass of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) which in 2020 declared its safety, classifying it as a substance "extremely concerning".
This is the butylparaben, a molecule used as a preservative in beauty products and highly controversial, as it can alter hormonal and reproductive function in humans, increase the risk of developing tumors and characterized by a high environmental impact.
For several years, numerous associations, including the American EGW, have been calling for a stop to the use of parabens in cosmetics and, although many companies have decided to remove them from the list of ingredients used, these substances continue to be used in various commonly used products that we buy and use every day.
Last year ECHA, analyzing the health hazards related to the molecule, was unable to identify a safe level of exposure to butylparaben and therefore this substance was included in the list of ingredients that could be eliminated in the future.
Having classified the butylparaben as a substance of very high concern will not result in an immediate ban on use: until ECHA re-examines the molecule, it it will continue to be used and manufacturers will need to provide detailed information on product safety, especially when the concentration exceeds 0,1%.
To date, numerous studies have shown that exposure to butylparaben, and in general to long-chain parabens, is able to interfere with our hormonal system even at low doses.
As long as the use of these molecules is allowed, to protect one's health and that of the environment, it is good check the INCI of cosmetics before purchase.
If you are about to buy a new sunscreen for the upcoming holidays, read the list of ingredients carefully: if substances such as butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and isopropylparaben appear, it is better to opt for another product.
Read all of our articles on sun creams.
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