paraben

[ par-uh-bin ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a group of compounds, including methylparaben, that are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for their antibacterial and antifungal properties and as food preservatives: suspected health risks connected to paraben usage and consumption have prompted consumer interest in paraben-free products.

paraben

/ ˈpærəˌbɛn /

noun

1. any ester of parahydroxybenzoic acid, some of which are used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and have been found in breast cancer tumours

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraben¹

First recorded in 1950–55; para- ¹ + ben(zoic acid)

Example Sentences

This pick is also formulated without parabens and comes in scents like coconut vanilla and cucumber mint.

From Popular-Science

Like aluminum, there’s no conclusive evidence that parabens and phthalates are harmful in the doses used in cosmetics.

From Popular-Science

Native Native Deodorant leaves out aluminum and a lot more, like parabens and animal testing.

From Popular-Science