Surgeon Warns: Discard Lipsticks Containing Methyl Or Propyl Parabens

A bold lipstick can lift your mood and add instant flair to your look, but some products may pose hidden health risks.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Manan Vora recently warned that certain chemicals in lipsticks could interfere with hormones and potentially delay menstrual cycles.

“Your lipstick could be the reason your periods are late,” Dr Vora said in a video. “If you see these two words on the packaging, Methyl Paraben or Propyl Paraben, throw it away immediately. Many inexpensive or unregulated lipsticks contain chemicals that disrupt the hormonal system.”

BPA and Parabens: The Main Culprits

Dr Vora explained that Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastic packaging, mimics oestrogen and can confuse the body’s hormonal balance.

He advised consumers to avoid lipsticks containing Methyl Paraben or Propyl Paraben, and to look for ‘PPA Free’ or ‘Paraben Free’ labels instead.

He also suggested checking for reliable certifications available in India, such as Ecocert, Cosmos Organic/Natural, USDA Organic, and Peta India Cruelty-Free. These certifications can help ensure the product’s safety.

“Before buying your next lipstick, read the label carefully and make sure it is safe. Share this information with friends who need to know,” Dr Vora added.

Dr Manan Vora captioned the video with, “Your lipstick might be doing more than adding color — it could be quietly messing with your hormones. Some lipsticks, especially cheap or unregulated ones, can contain harmful chemicals like BPA (from certain plastic packaging) and parabens (like Methylparaben or Propylparaben) used as preservatives. These chemicals can mimic estrogen, disrupt your hormonal balance, and even cause issues like delayed periods, acne, and excess facial hair over time.”

Choosing Lipsticks Safely

While most dermatologically-tested lipsticks are safe for daily use, experts recommend caution with cheap or unregulated products.

Dr Rinky Kapoor, Director and Co-Founder of The Esthetic Clinics, said that many modern lipsticks contain hydrating agents like vitamin E, squalene, or natural oils. She added that these ingredients make the lipsticks generally safe to use.

Dr Kapoor warned that repeated use of matte or drying lipsticks may cause chapped or irritated lips. Some lipsticks may even contain trace heavy metals like lead or cadmium, which can be harmful over time.

Tips for Healthy Lips

Experts advise:

• Avoid over-applying drying matte formulas.
• Remove lipstick fully at the end of the day.
• Use a protective, hydrating base balm to reduce moisture loss.
• Gently exfoliate lips to prevent flaking and improve application.
• Consider overnight lip masks or thick balms for skin repair.
• Use SPF-infused lip products to prevent sun-induced pigmentation.

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