Propylparaben
AKA “P
Preservative
Ingredient Facts
Propylparaben
Preservative · Preservative · EWG: 9
Synthetic
Preservative
Fragrance
Not Clean
Propylparaben is the benzoate ester that is the propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preservative typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products. Also used as a food additive. It has a role as an antimicrobial agent and an antifungal agent. It is a member of phenols, a benzoate ester and a paraben. It is functionally related to a propan-1-ol and a 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.
Mol. Weight
180.20
CAS #
94-13-3
See origin →
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
EWG
9
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
🧂Conflict of interest.
Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benz
International journal of toxicology, 2008
Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benz
International journal of toxicology, 2008
Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benz
International journal of toxicology, 2008
Final Amended Report on the Safety Assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Benzylparaben as used in cosmetic products
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isobutylparaben and Isopropylparaben
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Isopropylparaben
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium Propylparaben
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylparaben
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium Isopropylparaben
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium Propylparaben
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Isopropylparaben
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylparaben
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Analytical Method for the Identification and Assay of Kojic Acid, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben in Cosmetic Products Using UPLC: Application of ISO
Qadir MA, Ahmed M, Shafiq MI, Ali A, Sadiq A
Journal of AOAC International, 2016
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR