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POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN.

Valuable CAS 84930-16-5 / PRESERVATIVE

Potassium Propylparaben is a water-soluble salt of propylparaben, employed as a broad-spectrum preservative in precision skincare formulations. It effectively inhibits the proliferation of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and molds, thereby safeguarding product integrity and extending shelf-life.

Summary

Preservative Antimicrobial

Science

Mechanism of Action

This preservative functions by disrupting microbial cell membranes, a process that leads to the efflux of vital potassium ions. Its action can also be attributed to the induction of mitochondrial failure, mitochondrial depolarization, and the depletion of cellular ATP through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.01–0.1%
Optimal

0.05%

Key findings

  1. 01 Typical concentrations of propylparaben effectively inhibit a range of microorganisms under various environmental conditions.
  2. 02 Propylparaben significantly induces linear potassium release from E. coli cells, directly demonstrating its antimicrobial mechanism.
  3. 03 Propylparaben is utilized in combination with methylparaben to achieve comprehensive antimicrobial activity in pharmaceutical preparations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

The propylparaben ester exhibits chemical stability within a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Its antimicrobial efficacy is optimal between pH 4-8, diminishing at higher pH values due to the formation of the less active phenolate anion. As a salt, Potassium Propylparaben is highly water-soluble but may increase the pH of poorly buffered formulations.

Synergies

  • Methylparaben (for enhanced broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity)

Conflicts

  • Poorly buffered formulations (may cause pH shift to alkaline)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.14%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Potassium Propylparaben, among other parabens, is safe for cosmetic use when the total concentration of all parabens in a formulation does not exceed 0.8%. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) re-confirmed the safety of propylparaben at concentrations up to 0.14% (as acid) in cosmetic products, though the European Commission restricts its use in leave-on products for children under three. The FDA affirms propylparaben as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct food use at levels up to 0.1%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Propylparaben is a valuable and well-researched broad-spectrum preservative, crucial for maintaining product stability and safety within established regulatory concentration limits and specific pH ranges.

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