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SODIUM PARABEN.

Essential CAS 114-63-6 / 85080-04-2 / PRESERVATIVE

Sodium Paraben is a highly effective, broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative crucial for preventing microbial growth in cosmetic and personal care formulations. Its robust water solubility and stability across a wide pH range are key attributes for extending product shelf life.

Summary

Antimicrobial Preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an antimicrobial agent, Sodium Paraben inhibits the proliferation of bacteria, molds, and yeasts, particularly within water-containing systems. Its mechanism of action is understood to involve disrupting microbial membrane transport processes and interfering with the synthesis of essential macromolecules like DNA, RNA, and vital enzymes such as ATPases and phosphotransferases.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.01–0.3%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Paraben serves as a foundational preservative, essential for product stability and safety rather than a 'hero' ingredient marketed for direct skin benefits. It is not typically highlighted in a way that suggests 'dusting'.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 11
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium parabens, including Sodium Paraben, are highly water-soluble and exhibit impressive stability across a broad pH range (3.0-11.0), making them exceptionally advantageous for maintaining product integrity over time.

Conflicts

  • Extreme pH conditions may impact preservative efficacy, necessitating comprehensive compatibility testing.
  • Specific formulation ingredients could interfere with its antimicrobial performance; thorough compatibility studies are recommended.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.8%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded Sodium Paraben, among 20 other parabens, is safe for cosmetic use when the sum of total parabens in a formulation does not exceed 0.8%. The SCCS considers Methylparaben safe up to 0.4% alone, and mixtures of paraben esters safe up to 0.8%. For propylparaben and butylparaben and their salts, the sum of individual concentrations must not exceed 0.14%. The FDA generally regards parabens as safe (GRAS) for use as food preservatives within specified limits.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Essential

Sodium Paraben is an essential, highly effective, and extensively studied broad-spectrum preservative, crucial for ensuring the microbial safety and longevity of a wide array of precision skincare formulations.

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