Parabens detected in 18 of 20 human breast tumour tissue samples

This study measured concentrations of parabens in 20 human breast tumour tissue samples using HPLC-MS/MS. Intact parabens — methylparaben, ethylparaben, n-propylparaben, n-butylparaben, and isobutylparaben — were detected in 18 of 20 samples. The presence of intact parabens in breast tissue raised questions about the potential for parabens applied in underarm cosmetics to accumulate in breast tissue. This study is one of the most widely cited in the clean beauty movement, though it does not establish a causal link between parabens and breast cancer.

UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs