Definitions for "Paraben"
Parabens are chemical preservatives found in most body care products. They accumulate in the tissues of the body over time, potentially causing harm. They can be so persistent in living tissues that exposed offspring have an increased risk of reproductive abnormalities. Recent evidence also indicates that topical parabens have been detected in human breast tumors. This is of great concern as parabens have been shown to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen, which can encourage the growth of breast tumors.
Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties.