Parabens are alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, they have been widely used as preservatives in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, but also can be found in the environment as natural compounds. They are absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, and after ingestion. Parabens are metabolized by esterases in the skin and the liverand excreted renally. In the urine they are found mostly in conjugated form. Parabens were also detected inbreast milk, seminal fluid and inbreast tissue of patients suffering from breast cancer. They have weak estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects,what indicates they are related to the development of the breast cancer and disorders of the male reproductive system. In the skin parabens can cause increasing oxidative stress in the cells exposed to the sun, therefore are associated with the skin cancer. Through a number of studies human health effects of parabenshave been guestioned and most of the results suggested possible correlation between parabens and the breast cancer as well asthe testicular dysgenesis, but have not prove they are direct cause of it. In a small percentage of people parabens causethe contact dermatitis, and in high concentrations they can cause skin irritation. Notwithstanding the possible harmful effects of parabens they are still one of the safest preservatives onthe market.