Methylparaben
Medium ConcernAlso known as
The concern
Widely used preservative with oestrogenic activity. EWG rates with moderate-to-high concern. Found in breast tumour tissue in UK study. Linked to accelerated skin ageing when combined with UV exposure.
What to look for on labels
This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:
- Methylparaben
- methylparaben
- methyl paraben
- methyl-paraben
- e218
Commonly found in
Processed meats, canned foods, packaged snacks, bread, ready meals
Other preservatives to know about
Sodium Nitrite
HIGHIARC classifies processed meat containing nitrites as a Group 1 carcinogen (causes colorectal cancer).
Sodium Nitrate
HIGHConverts to nitrite in the body; linked to colorectal cancer risk when consumed in processed meats.
Sodium Benzoate
MEDIUMReacts with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in drinks to form benzene, an IARC Group 1 carcinogen.
Butylparaben
HIGHData sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.