Preservatives
Banned parabens
Banned in European Union and United Kingdom; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
Makers supplied no data showing these parabens are safe, and there are concerns about hormone (endocrine) disruption.
What to look for on the label
Isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, pentylparaben. (Methyl- and ethylparaben are allowed.)
Full name: Isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl- and pentylparaben
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union and United Kingdom; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: Makers supplied no data showing these parabens are safe, and there are concerns about hormone (endocrine) disruption.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedAnnex II/1374-1378 (Reg 358/2014); not sold since 30 Jul 2015. |
| United Kingdom | bannedAnnex II/1374-1378 under Reg 358/2014 as kept in UK law. |
| United States | no specific ruleNot on FDA prohibited/restricted ingredients list. |
| Canada | no specific ruleNone of the five found on Hotlist prohibited or restricted tables. |
Sources: EU Reg 358/2014 (Publications Office) · legislation.gov.uk Reg 358/2014 (UK version) · FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients · Health Canada Hotlist. Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags banned parabens and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.