Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

ETHYLPARABEN.

Valuable CAS 120-47-8 / FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE

Ethylparaben is an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, utilized as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic and personal care formulations. Its inclusion ensures product stability and safety by inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

Summary

preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts by interfering with microbial cell membrane functions, disrupting their integrity and ultimately preventing the growth and survival of various microorganisms. This action is crucial for maintaining the hygienic quality and shelf-life of formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Ethylparaben maintains full stability across a broad pH range of 4.0 to 8.0 and withstands temperatures up to 80 °C. Its antimicrobial activity generally increases at lower pH values, potentially allowing for reduced concentrations. However, aqueous solutions of its sodium salt are not stable long-term under alkaline conditions, and strong acids or weak alkalis can cause hydrolysis.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong bases
  • iron (potential discoloration)
  • strong acids (hydrolysis)
  • weak alkalis (hydrolysis)
  • nonionic surfactants (reduced efficacy due to micellization)
  • yellow iron oxide
  • ultramarine blue
  • aluminum silicate (significant absorption, reducing efficacy)
  • plastics (potential absorption)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.4%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) affirm Ethylparaben's safety for cosmetic use, with individual concentrations up to 0.4% or a total paraben concentration of 0.8% in formulations. The FDA also recognizes it as generally safe (GRAS). While typically considered mild, it is categorized as a chemical allergen, capable of inducing occasional hypersensitivity reactions such as dermatitis. Ongoing discussions persist regarding parabens' potential endocrine-disrupting effects, though current regulatory consensus views levels in consumer products as safe.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Ethylparaben is a valuable antimicrobial preservative essential for product stability and safety, affirmed as safe for cosmetic use within established concentration limits by global regulatory bodies, despite minor allergenicity and ongoing endocrine discussions.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…