Benzylparaben is a paraben-family chemical ingredient also known as Benzyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate or Benzyl p-Hydroxybenzoate. It has the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₂O₃, molecular weight 228.24 g/mol, and CAS Number 94-18-8. PubChem identifies Benzylparaben as a benzoate ester and benzyl ester.
Historical European cosmetic ingredient records identify BENZylPARABEN with CAS 94-18-8, EC 202-311-9, and an antimicrobial function.
However, its regulatory status requires particular attention: Regulation (EU) No 358/2014 added Benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Benzylparaben) to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, entry 1377. Consequently, Benzylparaben is prohibited in cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
Benzylparaben is the benzyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Structurally, it belongs to the hydroxybenzoate ester family commonly known as parabens.
The ingredient may also be identified as:
PubChem lists benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate as the IUPAC name and confirms the molecular formula and molecular weight.
Historical cosmetic-ingredient databases describe Benzylparaben with an antimicrobial function. Earlier EU inventory documentation lists the ingredient under the INCI name BENZYLPARABEN and identifies its function as antimicrobial.
From a technical perspective, its classification as a paraben derivative is relevant to understanding its chemical identity and historical use in antimicrobial preservation systems.
However, historical cosmetic use should not be confused with current regulatory authorization. The current EU Cosmetics Regulation places Benzylparaben in Annex II, meaning it is not permitted in cosmetic products marketed in the EU.
Benzylparaben has the following core chemical characteristics:
PubChem confirms the formula and molecular weight, while published chemical-property data report the melting range.
Published chemical references describe Benzylparaben as a white to almost-white powder/crystalline material. Its physical appearance should nevertheless be controlled according to the actual SDP incoming-material or finished-product specification.
For the CMS, avoid claiming a precise particle size, crystal form or appearance specification unless these are documented in the SDP technical specification.
Benzylparaben has limited water solubility. One published technical source reports approximately 92 mg/L at 25°C, while describing the substance as soluble in ethanol.
This physical characteristic is relevant when considering its incorporation into formulation systems.
For an SDP product page, however, the final solubility statement should be aligned with the actual commercial specification and test method.
The limited water solubility of Benzylparaben can affect how the material is incorporated into a formulation. Appropriate processing and solvent selection would need to be evaluated for any proposed application.
If the material is being evaluated for a permitted non-cosmetic or jurisdiction-specific application, compatibility should be assessed with:
Relevant processing factors may include:
A commercial Benzylparaben ingredient should be evaluated against a documented product specification.
Potential quality-control parameters include:
The exact numerical limits should be taken from the actual SDP specification or COA.
It is particularly important not to copy a specification from another paraben, such as Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben or Butylparaben, because different substances can have different analytical requirements.
This is the most important regulatory point for this product.
Benzylparaben (Benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate), CAS 94-18-8, was added to Annex II of the EU Cosmetics Regulation under entry 1377. Regulation (EU) 2014/358 explicitly identifies Benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate / INCI Benzylparaben under Annex II.
Therefore:
Benzylparaben should not be marketed on the SDP website as an EU-permitted cosmetic preservative.
The European Commission also explains that CosIng is an informative database and that the legal status of cosmetic ingredients is determined by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and its annexes.
The EU prohibition should not automatically be presented as a worldwide prohibition. Regulatory status can differ by jurisdiction.
For products intended for markets outside the EU, the manufacturer/importer should verify the current legislation applicable to the relevant country, product category and intended use.
Therefore, SEO content should avoid statements such as:
“Benzylparaben is approved worldwide.”
or
“Benzylparaben is a universally permitted cosmetic preservative.”
Those claims would not be supported by the regulatory evidence.
For the SDP website, I recommend positioning the page around:
“Benzylparaben Cosmetic Ingredient”
and not making an unsupported claim such as:
“EU Approved Benzylparaben Cosmetic Preservative.”
The page can accurately discuss its chemical identity, historical cosmetic function, technical properties and regulatory status.
Benzylparaben should be handled and stored according to the actual product specification and Safety Data Sheet.
Appropriate storage generally involves:
The actual commercial storage conditions should be taken from the SDP SDS and technical documentation.
For this particular product, the wording should remain regulatory-neutral rather than claiming unrestricted cosmetic suitability.
Benzylparaben is a hydroxybenzoate ester with CAS Number 94-18-8, molecular formula C₁₄H₁₂O₃, and molecular weight 228.24 g/mol. Historical cosmetic ingredient records identify it as an antimicrobial ingredient.
However, its regulatory status is particularly important: Benzylparaben is listed in Annex II, entry 1377, of the EU Cosmetics Regulation and is therefore prohibited in EU cosmetic products.
For SDP, the product page should therefore provide technically accurate chemical and specification information while clearly distinguishing historical cosmetic function from current market-specific regulatory authorization.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |