Locate It
On a cosmetic pack
Parabens are quoted on the label as: • Methylparaben • Butylparaben • Propylparaben • Ethylparaben • Benzylparaben • Isobutylparaben
On a food pack
Parabens in food packs are quoted as E numbers.
They are mentioned in the ingredients list. Parabens commonly used as food additives are:
• Methylparaben (E218)
• Heptylparaben (E209)
Products with the claim‘Paraben free’
Although the jury is out on the connection between parabens and human health, there is a growing band of products claiming to be parabensfree. Apparently, products that claim to be parabens-free use alternative preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, neolone, optiphen plus, hydantoin, glycacil, natrulon and benzethonium chloride.