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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2010, 13(1): 2-9pl,en  Facts and fictions about nipaginsLucjusz Zaprutko, Tomasz Zaprutko Wydział Farmaceutyczny, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu, Polska Summary Esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, commonly known as parabens or nipagins, over several decades have been used as effective preservatives in cosmetics, medicines and food products. They are characterized by good effectiveness, particularly in relation to Gram-positive bacteria and mould. Until recently, were also regarded as highly secure. In recent years, after applying them in large, virtually unused doses, it was found that they may show side-estrogenic effects and accumulate in the breast cancer cells. This has triggered some anxiety among users of products containing these compounds. The current position of the SCCP (EU Safety Committee on Consumer Products) and many national pharmacopoeia Commissions clearly suggest the possibility of a safe use, with reservation to not exceeding the maximum acceptable concentrations. Key words: preservatives, parabens, nipagins, usage safety |