To provide a method for evaluating or selecting an agent for reducing sensory irritation, which reduces sensory irritation caused by parabens, and an agent for reducing sensory irritation, which reduces sensory irritation caused by parabens. A method for evaluating or selecting an agent for reducing sensory irritation caused by parabens, comprising the following steps (1) to (3): (1) a step of contacting cells capable of expressing CES1 with a test substance; (2) a step of measuring expression of CES1 in the cells; (3) a step of evaluating a test substance which promotes expression of CES1 as an agent for reducing sensory irritation caused by parabens based on the results measured in (2).