Parabens are a class of widely used
preservatives in
cosmetic and
pharmaceutical products. Chemically, they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or
esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their
bactericidal and
fungicidal properties. They can be found in
shampoos, commercial
moisturizers,
shaving gels,
personal lubricants,
topical/
parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution,
makeup, and
toothpaste. They are also used as
food additives.