Cosmetics and food preservatives are oestrogenic, study finds

Chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and foods are oestrogenic, according to a study published in January.¹ Scientists at Brunel University have found that the compounds, called parabens, are oestrogenic in cell and animal tests. However, the cosmetics industry maintains that the compounds are safe and have no oestrogenic effects when applied to the skin or swallowed.