Heptylparaben, also known as Heptyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate, is an ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid containing a heptyl group. It belongs to the broader family of hydroxybenzoate esters commonly referred to as parabens. The compound is identified by CAS Number 1085-12-7, molecular formula C14H20O3, and molecular weight 236.31 g/mol.
For manufacturers and formulators researching specialty cosmetic ingredients, Heptylparaben can be evaluated based on its chemical identity, purity, physical characteristics, formulation compatibility and applicable regulatory requirements in the intended market.
Heptylparaben is the heptyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its systematic chemical name is heptyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. Other documented names include Heptyl Paraben, Heptyl p-Hydroxybenzoate, n-Heptyl p-Hydroxybenzoate and 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Heptyl Ester.
The molecular structure contains an aromatic hydroxybenzoate group and a seven-carbon alkyl ester chain. This structure differentiates Heptylparaben from shorter-chain parabens such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Heptylparaben has the molecular formula C14H20O3 and molecular weight 236.31 g/mol. NIST lists CAS 1085-12-7 and the corresponding chemical structure for n-heptyl 4-hydroxybenzoate.
Its longer alkyl chain gives it different physicochemical characteristics from lower-alkyl paraben esters. For formulation development, factors such as solubility, dispersion, processing temperature and compatibility with other ingredients should be evaluated using the actual material specification.
Commercial reference material is described as a white powder to crystal, while another current laboratory supplier describes n-Heptyl 4-hydroxybenzoate as a light-yellow powder solid.
Because colour and physical form can vary according to manufacturing and storage conditions, the final SDP product description should follow the approved internal specification and Certificate of Analysis.
Analytical purity should be established using a validated method appropriate for the product. A current TCI reference product specifies minimum 98.0 area% by HPLC and also reports a minimum 98.0% result by neutralization titration. This is a supplier-specific laboratory specification and should not automatically be presented as the universal SDP specification.
For an SDP commercial page, the Assay (HPLC) field should therefore contain the actual approved SDP specification rather than an assumed value.
A current TCI specification reports a melting range of approximately 45–50°C, with a reference value around 47°C.
This relatively low melting range should be considered when evaluating storage, handling and processing conditions. The actual commercial material should be controlled against the applicable SDP specification.
Solubility is an important consideration when evaluating Heptylparaben as a specialty cosmetic ingredient. Because it is an organic ester with a relatively long alkyl chain, its behaviour in aqueous and oil-containing formulations should be evaluated experimentally.
Formulators should consider:
Small-scale compatibility and stability testing should be completed before commercial formulation.
Heptylparaben is associated historically with the paraben family and has been described in technical literature and databases in relation to antimicrobial/preservative applications. However, its presence in a chemical or ingredient database does not by itself establish current authorization for use in every cosmetic market.
For example, the FDA's EAFUS database identifies Heptylparaben under CAS 1085-12-7 and records a food-additive use under 21 CFR §172.145; that food-use listing should not be interpreted as a cosmetic authorization.
Therefore, cosmetic formulators should verify the regulatory status of Heptylparaben for the specific country or market where the finished cosmetic product will be sold.
A reliable cosmetic ingredient manufacturer in India should maintain appropriate controls for identity, purity and physical quality. Depending on the approved product specification, quality evaluation may include:
Testing requirements should be based on the actual product specification and intended application rather than copying specifications from unrelated paraben products.
Heptylparaben requires particular attention to regulatory review because cosmetic ingredient regulations differ by jurisdiction.
The fact that a substance is chemically classified as a paraben does not establish that it can be used as a preservative in every cosmetic formulation. Formulators should consult the applicable legislation, ingredient inventories and current annexes for the target market before incorporating the ingredient into a finished product.
The FDA EAFUS record confirms the identity of Heptylparaben and its CAS number, while the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations provides a specific food-use provision for Heptylparaben. These records concern food use and should not be presented as evidence of general cosmetic approval.
Heptylparaben should be stored according to the supplier's approved handling and storage instructions. Good storage practice generally includes:
A current TCI reference recommends storage at room temperature in a cool and dark place below 15°C. This is a supplier-specific recommendation and should not automatically replace the SDP storage specification.
Heptylparaben is a hydroxybenzoate ester with CAS Number 1085-12-7, molecular formula C14H20O3, and molecular weight 236.31 g/mol.
For cosmetic ingredient development, its chemical identity, purity, physical properties, formulation compatibility and destination-market regulatory requirements should all be considered. For commercial SDP product information, specification values should always be taken from the approved product specification and current Certificate of Analysis rather than assumed from third-party laboratory products.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |