Evaluating paraben concentrations in skincare products and assessing their potential health risks

Abstract

There is a lack of specific regulations in Saudi Arabia governing the use of potentially hazardous compounds, such as parabens, in skincare products (SCPs). This study analyzed 111 feminine SCPs used in Saudi Arabia for the presence of selected parabens [namely methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), and propylparaben (PrP)] to assess their health risks. These parabens were highly prevalent in the examined SCPs; MeP was the most common, followed by PrP. However, we noted that ≈14% of the products were paraben-free. Nine products contained MeP, EtP, and PrP in concentrations exceeding the European Union Regulation 1223/2009 limits. The estimated daily paraben intake via dermal exposure was calculated. The combined maximum estimated daily intake (EDI) for MeP and EtP was remarkably lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) limit set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); however, PrP levels in 23% of the products exceeded the recommended ADI limit. Although the average hazard index (HI) was below the safety threshold, 26 products had a HI > 1, indicating a potential health risk primarily due to PrP. The margin of exposure (MOE) values calculated for these parabens did not reach the safety benchmark set by the EFSA. In conclusion, MeP and EtP in the tested SCPs pose a relatively low health risk; however, the PrP content of many of these products raises concerns, especially considering the cumulative exposure to multiple parabens. This study underscores the need to monitor and regulate the use of parabens in SCPs to ensure consumer safety.

Keywords

Parabens / dermal exposure / skincare products / health risk assessment / consumer safety / estimated daily intake

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