Potassium Paraben
AKA “Potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate, potassium p-hydroxybenzoate, UNII-UHZ6Y0A8VR, EINECS 240-830-2, MONOPOTASSIUM P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Potassium paraben
AKA: Potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate, Potassium p-hydroxybenzoate, UNII-UHZ6Y0A8VR, EINECS 240-830-2, MONOPOTASSIUM P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT
Synthetic · Antimicrobial · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Preservative
Synthetic
Not Clean
Keeps the product fresh and effective by preventing bacterial and fungal growth. Works to extend shelf life so your product stays clean and potent.
Formula
C7H5KO3
Mol. Weight
176.21
CAS #
16782-08-4
Form
Powder
Synthetic
Synthetic. Synthesized from para-hydroxybenzoic acid, a compound in the paraben chemical family. Produced through esterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid with potassium hydroxide as the base.
Functions
Preservative
Antimicrobial
Benefits
Preserves Formula
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
A synthetic preservative developed in the early 20th century as an antimicrobial agent. Created to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in cosmetic formulations without the toxicity of earlier preservatives.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
Restricted By
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
8.0%
0%11%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 8.0%. 0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of esters Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 12. Dermal absorption: 0.1%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 746).
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR