Recently, we discovered that the cosmetic preservatives, benzalkonium chloride and
formaldehyde, are especially toxic to human meibomian gland epithelial cells (HMGECs).
Exposure to these agents, at concentrations approved for human use, leads within hours to
cellular atrophy and death. We hypothesize that these effects are not unique, and that other
cosmetic preservatives also exert adverse effects on HMGECs. Such compounds include
parabens, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, which have been reported to be toxic to …