Short answer: not clearly — parabens are effective, widely used preservatives with some safety concerns, but at the low levels used in most cosmetics/regulatory-approved products they’re generally considered safe for most people.

More detail:

• What they are: parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- etc.) are preservatives added to creams, lotions, shampoos and other personal-care products to stop bacteria and mold growth.
• Why people worry: parabens can show weak “estrogen-like” activity in laboratory tests. That led to concerns about hormone disruption and a possible link to breast cancer or reproductive effects. Paraben traces have also been detected in human tissues in some studies, which fueled public concern.
• What the evidence shows: the majority of large reviews and regulatory bodies conclude that parabens used at approved concentrations in cosmetics are unlikely to pose a health risk to the general population. However, some individual studies raise questions about specific parabens or high exposures. The overall scientific consensus is not that parabens are definitively dangerous at normal cosmetic use levels, but discussion and study continue.
• Skin reactions: contact allergy to parabens is relatively uncommon but can occur — people with sensitive skin or a known paraben allergy should avoid them.
• Alternatives: many brands offer “paraben‑free” products and use other preservatives (phenoxyethanol, organic acids, formaldehyde releasers, etc.). Those alternatives have pros and cons (different effectiveness, shelf‑life, or different allergy profiles).
• Practical guidance: if you have normal skin and aren’t seeking to avoid them for personal reasons, products with regulated amounts of parabens are generally acceptable. If you have sensitive skin, prefer “clean” labels, or are concerned, choose paraben‑free products and watch for preservatives used instead. Do a patch test if you’re unsure.

If you want, I can:

• Look up the latest regulatory positions (FDA/EU/SCCS) or recent major studies and summarize them.
• Recommend paraben‑free products or suggest how to read ingredient labels.