Why We Stopped Using Calpol (And What We Use Instead)

For years, Calpol has been one of the most trusted children’s medicines in the UK. Most parents keep a bottle ready for when their little ones have a fever or feel unwell. But when I discovered what was actually in it, my view completely changed.

Why We Stopped Using Calpol

Around eight years ago, I found out something that completely changed how I think about children’s medicine.

Like many parents, I used to reach for Calpol without a second thought whenever my kids had a fever or felt unwell. It was the go-to. Everyone I knew used it, and I never thought to question it.

That changed when I looked more closely at the ingredients list one evening in 2017. I was shocked to discover that Calpol contains parabens. Since then, we haven’t used it once.

What Are Parabens and Why People Avoid Them

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to stop bacteria growing in products like shampoos, body lotions, make-up, and even medicines.

While they help keep products stable, studies have shown they can mimic oestrogen in the body, which can interfere with hormone balance. Some research has found parabens present in breast cancer tissue, though there’s no proven link between the two. Some scientists believe they could interfere with hormone-related pathways, while others say more research is needed.

Even so, many people prefer to avoid them — especially for babies and children — because of these possible risks and because they simply aren’t natural. Over the past decade, most baby toiletries, skincare, and even some foods have been reformulated without parabens.

And really, why would so many companies go to the trouble of removing them if they thought they were perfectly safe? Consumer demand, maybe. Or perhaps they share some of the same concerns many of us have.

So when I discovered that a children’s medicine as trusted as Calpol still contained them, I was honestly quite upset.

How I Found Out

I’d already stopped buying baby lotions and shampoos with parabens, so I thought I was doing everything right. But then one day, while looking at the Calpol label, I noticed some E-numbers and decided to look them up.

That’s when I realised that E214, E216, and E218 were just another way of saying parabens.

I couldn’t believe I’d missed it. I thought I was buying the sugar-free, colour-free version to make a better choice, yet it still contained synthetic preservatives I’d been avoiding in every other area of life.

Why I’m Disappointed with Calpol

Calpol is such a well-known, trusted brand for children. It’s also more expensive than supermarket versions, which makes you think you’re paying for a better-quality product.

But learning that it still uses parabens, and hides them behind E-numbers on the label, feels disappointing. If they listed the full chemical names clearly, I think more parents would question it.

Other brands have reformulated to remove parabens, so I’d really like to see Calpol do the same — especially since it’s aimed at babies and young children.

Finding a Better Option

After discovering that Calpol contained parabens, I started looking for something cleaner that would still work effectively when my children needed it.

For reference, here’s what’s in Calpol Sugar Free Infant Suspension (per 5 ml):

• Active ingredient: Paracetamol 120 mg per 5 ml
• Other ingredients: Maltitol liquid (E965), glycerol, polysorbate 80, sorbitol liquid (E420), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214), microcrystalline cellulose and carmellose sodium, xanthan gum, purified water, and strawberry flavouring

The active ingredient, paracetamol, is perfectly standard — it’s the preservatives and additives that I’m not comfortable with. E218, E216 and E214 are all parabens, which are synthetic preservatives many people now choose to avoid.

After some research, I found an alternative that’s paraben-free — Parapaed Junior Oral Suspension. It works in the same way to relieve pain and reduce fever, but without the parabens.

Each 5 ml contains:

• Active ingredient: Paracetamol 120 mg
• Other ingredients: Ethanol, sorbitan monooleate, glycerol (E422), magnesium aluminium silicate, liquid maltitol syrup (E965), saccharin sodium (E954), xanthan gum, cherry flavour, sodium benzoate (E211), citric acid monohydrate, polysorbate 80, and purified water

I checked the patient information leaflet, and none of the listed ingredients are parabens such as methyl, propyl, or ethyl parahydroxybenzoate.

It’s not perfect — it still contains some synthetic ingredients — but for me, avoiding parabens is the main thing.

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Where I Buy Parapaed

I buy Parapaed online from Savers, and I also get a TopCashback discount each time, which is a nice bonus.

If you’re not already a TopCashback member, you can join through my referral link:
https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/victoriasully

Are There Paraben-Free Children’s Medicines on the High Street?

Sadly, there still isn’t much choice. Most children’s paracetamol suspensions, whether branded or supermarket own-label, still contain parabens.

I find that surprising in 2025, considering how many parents look for cleaner products and how much effort we put into buying paraben-free skincare and toiletries for our children.

If a big brand like Calpol made a paraben-free version, I think many parents who avoid Calpol, like me, might switch back straight away.

Should You Stop Using Calpol?

That’s a personal choice.

Calpol is an effective medicine that many families trust. It reduces fever and eases pain, and if that’s your priority, that’s completely understandable.

We try to only give paracetamol solution when it’s absolutely necessary, but when we do, avoiding parabens gives me peace of mind. I want to limit unnecessary synthetic chemicals, especially when there are alternatives available.

Essentially, you can do your own research and decide what’s best for you.

Final Thoughts

Finding out that Calpol contains parabens opened my eyes to how easily we can overlook ingredients in everyday products. Even something as familiar as children’s medicine deserves a closer look.

We haven’t used Calpol since 2017, and I don’t see that changing. We’ll continue using paraben-free options like Parapaed instead when it is needed.

It’s a small change, but for me, it feels like the right one.