Topical parabens: benefits and risks.

Parabens are the most frequently used preservative in dermatological medications. Some allergies have been reported to parabens, but these risks must be considered with respect to the benefits of parabens in concentrations used as preservatives in dermatological formulations. Considering the alternatives to parabens in preservat ives and placing perspective on the reported allergies we still find parabens to be a useful preservative with minimal risk to its benefits.