Review on life cycle of parabens: synthesis, degradation, characterization and safety analysis

In this review, we show the life cycle of parabens, commonly used preservatives that exist in nature and commercial products. Typical synthetic methods to produce parabens, and a set of complimentary characterization techniques to monitor the composition of parabens are also highlighted. This includes solid state analysis using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), in-situ monitoring of crystallization process using Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM), Particle Vision Measurement (PVM), quantitative detection via High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography (GC). An improved understanding of the overall physical, biophysical and chemical properties of parabens and their life cycle, summarized in this article, are vital for the safety control and extensive applications of relevant products in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.