Introduction:
Parabens are used as preservatives in many products, especially in cosmetics. Studies in-vitro and animal studies show that they may exert an adverse effect on our health. Parabens are suspected not only of causing allergy and irritation, but also for the estrogenic and carcinogenic effect.

Objective:
The objective of the study was the evaluation of awareness of women from the Silesian Region concerning parabens in cosmetics, and health risk resulting from the use of cosmetics containing parabens.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted during January – March 2011, using an anonymous questionnaire designed by the author. The study group included 151 women aged 20–55, living in the Silesian Agglomeration, with the largest group of those aged 20–25, and was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire as the measurement instrument.

Results:
The respondents’ awareness concerning parabens and health risk related with their use is low. Statistically, women use from several to more than a dozen cosmetics every day. The majority of them contain at least one preservative (paraben)

Conclusions:
The study shows that despite an increasing amount of information and an easier access to data, the consumers remain unaware of the risks related with application of parabens. Although they declare that the composition of cosmetics is one of the guidelines while selecting cosmetics, they most often reach for those containing parabens. There is a need for changing the attitudes of women, and teaching them to make informed choices which would be safe for health.