Paraben Mix

Parabens are the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics. They are also widely used in some medications, foods, and in industry.

Paraben mix contains the alkyl esters butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-paraben.

Avoidance of parabens in cosmetics may be difficult since they are one of the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetic industry.

Skin contact with parabens is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing parabens should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have ingredients listed either on

the product package or the box that contains it. Check the labeling of your skin care products for these ingredients. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

Because of the Paraben Paradox, patients who have a positive patch test reaction to parabens may still be able to tolerate cosmetics containing parabens. It is recommended that new cosmetics be tested on your skin before widespread application. You can test products

yourself by applying a small amount to a small area of skin on the forearm twice daily for a week and observing to see if a rash develops.  If no rash appears, the product is likely safe for you to use on your skin. Normal skin may tolerate exposure to small concentrates of parabens

in cosmetics.

The ingestion of paraben-containing foods does not seem to produce flares of dermatitis in paraben-sensitive individuals, especially if the lining of the mouth is intact. The FDA does not require the labeling of parabens in oral preparations and dentifrices. Therefore, it is difficult

to avoid contact.