Propylparaben is a paraben-family cosmetic ingredient primarily used as an antimicrobial preservative in personal care and cosmetic formulations. It is chemically known as Propyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate and has the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂O₃ with a molecular weight of 180.20 g/mol. Its CAS Number is 94-13-3 and EC Number is 202-307-7.
Propylparaben is typically supplied as a colourless crystalline material or white powder. Its preservative function makes it relevant to formulations where microbiological protection is required.
Propylparaben is the propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and belongs to the hydroxybenzoate ester family commonly known as parabens.
It is also known by several names, including:
Its chemical structure and physical properties make it a recognized ingredient for preservative systems used in various personal care formulations.
Propylparaben functions primarily as an antimicrobial preservative ingredient. Cosmetic formulations containing water and other susceptible components require appropriate preservation strategies to maintain microbiological quality throughout their intended use.
Propylparaben can be incorporated into preservation systems according to the formulation requirements and applicable regulatory limits.
The effectiveness of a preservative system depends on the finished formulation, including factors such as:
Therefore, Propylparaben should be evaluated as part of the complete formulation rather than considered independently.
Propylparaben may be considered for various cosmetic and personal care formulations, including:
Published chemical references specifically identify Propylparaben as a preservative used in water-based cosmetics such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products.
Propylparaben should be evaluated as part of a complete preservation system. Formulators should assess its compatibility with other preservatives, surfactants, emulsifiers, fragrances, botanical materials and functional cosmetic ingredients.
Propylparaben has limited water solubility. Its solubility characteristics should therefore be considered when selecting the manufacturing process and method of incorporation.
Where necessary, an appropriate solvent or compatible formulation component may be used to facilitate incorporation, subject to the requirements of the finished product.
The final formulation pH is an important consideration when developing a preservative system. The preservation performance of the finished cosmetic product should be evaluated at the intended formulation pH.
Appropriate processing conditions should be selected to ensure uniform distribution of Propylparaben throughout the formulation.
Manufacturers should consider:
Compatibility should be assessed with:
Propylparaben has the following key chemical characteristics:
These identity and physical-property details are supported by PubChem.
For commercial Propylparaben Cosmetic Ingredient supply, quality should be controlled using a documented specification corresponding to the actual supplied grade.
Typical quality-control parameters may include:
The numerical acceptance limits should be taken from the actual SDP product specification or COA. This avoids presenting a pharmacopoeial or third-party value as an SDP manufacturing specification.
Propylparaben is specifically regulated as a preservative under the European Union cosmetic framework.
The European Commission's SCCS final opinion adopted in March 2021 concluded that Propylparaben is considered safe as a preservative in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 0.14%, considering the assessment described in that opinion. The SCCS also discussed potential endocrine-related effects and stated that the available evidence was not sufficient to classify Propylparaben as an endocrine-disrupting substance for human-health risk assessment.
For mixtures of parabens, the relevant EU framework also includes restrictions on the combined use of certain parabens and their salts.
These regulatory figures should not be treated as universal limits for every country. Finished-product manufacturers should verify the current legislation applicable to the target market, product type and formulation.
Propylparaben should be stored in a suitable, well-closed container and protected from contamination and unsuitable environmental conditions.
Appropriate storage practices should protect the material from:
The actual storage conditions should follow the commercial product's specification and Safety Data Sheet.
Propylparaben is a recognized cosmetic preservative ingredient belonging to the paraben family. With CAS Number 94-13-3, molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂O₃, and molecular weight 180.20 g/mol, it is used in the development of various cosmetic and personal care preservation systems.
Its crystalline physical form, limited water solubility and preservative function are important considerations during formulation development. Finished cosmetic products should be evaluated for microbiological protection, formulation compatibility, concentration, stability and applicable regulatory requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |