Chemical, toxicological and environmental aspects of parabens and its substitutes in the cosmetic industry

As a result of their effectiveness in low concentrations, low cost of synthesizing and not causing alteration in the organoleptic characteristics of the products, parabens are widely used as a preservative in cosmetics. According to studies, these esters have the potential to interfere with the performance of the endocrine system causing changes in hormones activity, as well as represent a hazard to the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the main chemical, toxicological and environmental aspects of parabens in the cosmetic industry comparing to other preservatives, discussing also the use of plant extracts and essential oils as natural preservatives.