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POTASSIUM BUTYLPARABEN.

Valuable CAS 38566-94-8 / PRESERVATIVE

Potassium Butylparaben is a synthetic antimicrobial agent that primarily functions to preserve cosmetic formulations by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. It is essential for maintaining product integrity and extending shelf life within precision skincare products.

Summary

Preservative Masking

Science

Mechanism of Action

This paraben derivative acts as an antimicrobial preservative by disrupting essential microbial cellular processes. Its mechanism is believed to involve inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, interfering with key enzymes such as ATPase and phosphotransferase in certain bacterial species. Additionally, it may compromise membrane transport by disrupting the lipid bilayer, potentially leading to the leakage of vital intracellular components.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range ≤0.4%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The CIR Expert Panel concluded Potassium Butylparaben is safe for cosmetic use when the total concentration of all combined parabens does not exceed 0.8%.
  2. 02 The SCCS considers Butylparaben (the parent compound) safe for children at specific reduced concentrations: 0.14% in rinse-off, 0.002% in leave-on, and 0.092% in oral care products, with a general limit of 0.028% (as acid) in the final product for children.
  3. 03 The FDA approves parabens as preservatives in skincare, stipulating a limit of 0.4% w/w for a single paraben and 0.8% w/w for a combination of parabens.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Aqueous solutions of Butylparaben (the parent compound) maintain stability at pH levels between 3.0 and 6.0, showing integrity for approximately four years at room temperature. However, rapid hydrolysis occurs in solutions with a pH of 8.0 or higher.

Conflicts

  • Formulations with a pH of 8.0 or higher are subject to rapid hydrolysis and should be avoided.
  • Not recommended for use in leave-on cosmetic products intended for the nappy area of young children younger than 3 years of age, due to potential for increased penetration from skin irritation and occlusion.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deems Potassium Butylparaben safe in cosmetics when the sum of combined parabens does not exceed 0.8%. The FDA has approved parabens as preservatives, setting a limit of 0.4% w/w for a single paraben and 0.8% w/w for a combination. While concerns regarding potential endocrine-disrupting properties have been raised, the estrogenic potency of Butylparaben is significantly lower than natural estradiol. Concentrations exceeding 1% for Butylparaben (the parent compound) have been noted to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Butylparaben is a valuable and well-regulated preservative, critical for maintaining product stability and safety within established concentration limits, though caution is advised for specific populations and high concentrations.

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