Meaning & use
parabens
Last updated
“parabens” is a form of “paraben”.
Meaning
nounpluralchemistry
A group of chemical preservatives added to cosmetics, medicines and some foods to stop bacteria and mold from growing.
Grammar: Plural form: the shampoo contains parabens. The singular, paraben, is used for one compound.
Patterns
- free of parabens
- contains parabens
The label says this lotion is free of parabens.
Some shoppers avoid products with parabens.
Parabens extend the shelf life of creams.
Word forms
| singular | paraben |
|---|
Common combinations
- free of parabens
- The shampoo is free of parabens and sulfates.
- contain parabens
- Many older cosmetics contain parabens.
- avoid parabens
- She tries to avoid parabens in skincare.
- parabens as preservatives
- Manufacturers use parabens as preservatives.
- paraben-free
- The company launched a paraben-free line.
Synonyms and how they differ
- preservatives
- Preservatives is the broad category, while parabens names a specific family within it.
- antimicrobials
- This is a wider technical word for anything that kills or stops microbes.
- additives
- Additives covers any added substance, not only those that preserve.
Word family
- paraben noun
- a single compound of this group
- paraben-free adjective
- made without parabens
- methylparaben noun
- a common paraben used in cosmetics
Commonly confused: parabens or parabens (Portuguese)?
parabens vs parabens (Portuguese)
In Portuguese, parabéns means congratulations; the English word parabens refers only to the chemicals.
Practice
A bottle is labeled paraben-free. What is missing from it?
Choose one answer.
Parabens are preservatives, so paraben-free means they are not included. Water and perfume are separate ingredients.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “parabens”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.