Sodium Ethylparaben is a specialty cosmetic ingredient belonging to the family of paraben salts. Chemically, it is the sodium salt of ethylparaben, also known as ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. The compound is identified by CAS Number 35285-68-8, with molecular formula C₉H₉NaO₃ and molecular weight 188.16 g/mol.
It is used in the context of preservative systems and can be evaluated for cosmetic and personal-care formulations based on its chemical identity, purity, physical properties, formulation compatibility and applicable regulatory requirements.
Sodium Ethylparaben is the sodium salt of ethylparaben. PubChem lists synonyms including Sodium Ethyl Paraben, Ethylparaben Sodium and Sodium Ethyl p-Hydroxybenzoate.
The sodium salt form should not be confused with neutral Ethylparaben, which has CAS 120-47-8 and a different molecular weight. Sodium Ethylparaben has CAS 35285-68-8 and molecular weight 188.16 g/mol.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review's amended safety assessment includes Sodium Ethylparaben among parabens and paraben salts and identifies its cosmetic function as preservative.
For cosmetic formulation development, the ingredient should be evaluated according to the finished-product composition, concentration, pH, compatibility with other ingredients and regulatory requirements applicable to the destination market.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate Sodium Salt |
| CAS Number | 35285-68-8 |
| EC Number | 252-487-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₉NaO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 188.16 g/mol |
| Parent Compound | Ethylparaben |
| Chemical Class | Hydroxybenzoate / Paraben Salt |
These chemical identity values are documented in PubChem and related chemical databases.
Sodium Ethylparaben is supplied as a solid material. Commercial reference information describes it as a solid, while cosmetic ingredient references describe the material as a white crystalline powder or granules.
For the SDP product page, the final appearance statement should be based on the actual commercial specification and COA rather than a third-party description.
A USP-NF monograph for Ethylparaben Sodium defines the material as containing NLT 95.0% and NMT 102.0% of ethylparaben sodium, calculated on an anhydrous basis. This is a pharmacopeial monograph specification and should not automatically be treated as the specification of SDP's cosmetic-grade material.
For the SDP CMS field Assay (HPLC), use the actual validated SDP analytical specification. Do not convert the USP assay requirement into an HPLC specification unless the approved SDP method actually uses HPLC.
When evaluating Sodium Ethylparaben as a cosmetic ingredient, formulators should consider:
Laboratory compatibility and stability testing should be completed before commercial use.
Sodium Ethylparaben is identified as a preservative in the CIR safety assessment. Its role is associated with preservation of cosmetic formulations against microbial deterioration.
The actual performance of a preservative system depends on the complete formulation rather than the presence of one ingredient alone. Factors such as pH, water activity, packaging, manufacturing hygiene and interactions with other ingredients can affect preservation performance.
Sodium Ethylparaben is included in the European cosmetic regulatory framework under the entry covering 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl- and ethyl-esters and their salts. Secondary regulatory databases identify Sodium Ethylparaben under Annex V, entry 12.
The applicable concentration conditions and the current consolidated version of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 should be checked before making a finished-product compliance claim.
The regulatory status of an ingredient can differ between jurisdictions, so the destination market should always be specified when evaluating compliance.
For a commercial Sodium Ethylparaben Cosmetic Ingredient, quality control may include:
The actual limits should come from the approved SDP product specification.
Sodium Ethylparaben should be stored according to the current SDS and approved product specification.
Recommended general handling practices include:
A commercial supplier reference recommends sealed storage away from moisture and reports storage at 4°C for its laboratory product; this should not be substituted for SDP's own storage specification.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |