Methyl-parabens are considered an antioxidant preservative (as in amide anesthetics), if they are antioxidants, why are parabens bad for you?

Probably not bad: Commonly used in skin products to prevent bacterial growth and when absorbed are quickly eliminated through the kidneys. They may in some cause skin sensitivity.

They're not. : They naturally occurring in fruit (prominent in blueberries), and while they are readily absorbable through the GI tract and the skin, they are promptly and completely excreted in the urine, leaving essentially no possibility of toxicity. Interestingly, they are slowing or toxic to the common fruit fly - not a bad side effect.