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

The fourth substance set to be banned in California, propyl paraben, was approved through what’s effectively a loophole in the FDA system.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the catalyzing arguments for banning Red Dye No. 3 — as well as Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil and Propyl Paraben — in California is that those ingredients are already banned in Europe, which means that manufacturers often already produce and distribute to different versions of the same snack product based on the market in which they are selling it.

From Salon

Assembly Bill 418 would prohibit "the manufacture, sale or distribution of any food product in California containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben."

From Salon

“We have more recent information,” she said, “and the continuing, evolving scientific space is listed on our Skin Deep database under each of the applicable paraben ingredient pages.”

From Washington Post

Made with botanical eco-certified ingredients, it’s hypoallergenic and paraben and glycerin free.

From The Verge