Annex V Entry 12 11/08/2020

4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID / METHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM PARABEN /SODIUM METHYLPARABEN /SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN /ETHYLPARABEN /SODIUM PARABEN / POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN / CALCIUM PARABEN

Q: How do I check if my product formula contains 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID / METHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM PARABEN /SODIUM METHYLPARABEN /SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN /ETHYLPARABEN /SODIUM PARABEN / POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN / CALCIUM PARABEN?

Use the INCI Checker tool on CosIng Checker to paste your full ingredient list and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records.

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its Methyl- and Ethyl-esters, and their salts

4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID / METHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM PARABEN /SODIUM METHYLPARABEN /SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN /ETHYLPARABEN /SODIUM PARABEN / POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN / CALCIUM PARABEN appears in Annex V as a positive-list preservative entry for EU cosmetics. Maximum concentration in this record: 0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of esters.

Permitted preservative— Annex V, EU Regulation 1223/2009

Max conc.: 0,4%

Entry: 12

Reading this entry

"Parabens" is not one regulatory answer. Methyl and ethyl esters sit here with a 0.4% limit; propyl and butyl sit in a stricter entry; and five other esters are prohibited outright in Annex II.

This entry covers 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl and ethyl esters and their salts: 0.4% as acid for a single ester, 0.8% for mixtures.
Propylparaben and butylparaben are entry 12a, capped at 0.14% for the sum of the two.
Isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl- and pentylparaben are prohibited — Annex II, entries 1374 to 1378.
The 0.8% ceiling for mixtures spans entries 12 and 12a together, so the two entries are not independent budgets.

A formulator asked whether parabens are permitted in the EU has been asked a question with three answers, and which one applies depends entirely on the ester. The short-chain ones are here: methyl and ethyl, plus 4-hydroxybenzoic acid itself and the sodium, potassium and calcium salts. Up to 0.4% as acid for a single ester, 0.8% for mixtures.

Propylparaben and butylparaben are handled separately in entry 12a, at 0.14% for the sum of the two, and they may not be used in leave-on products for the nappy area of children under three. The two entries are not independent allowances. The 0.8% mixture ceiling is shared across both, and within it the propyl and butyl content still cannot exceed 0.14%.

Five further esters were removed from cosmetic use altogether in 2014 and now appear in Annex II: isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben. For those the answer is not a limit but a prohibition.

So a label reading "paraben-free" is a marketing statement about a family of substances the regulation treats as three separate cases, and an ingredient list showing "paraben" tells you nothing until you know which one.

Checked against

Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014 (EUR-Lex)

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 114-63-6

CAS 114-63-6PubChem CID 16219477

Sodium 4-hydroxybenzoate

Sodium 4-hydroxybenzoate is an organic sodium salt resulting from the replacement of the proton from the carboxy group of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid by a sodium ion. It has a role as a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It contains a 4-hydroxybenzoate. — ChEBI

IUPAC name: sodium 4-hydroxybenzoate

Molecular formula: C7H5NaO3
Molecular weight: 160.10 g/mol
Exact mass: 160.01363830 Da
Topological polar surface area: 60.4 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 2
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

Sodium p-hydroxybenzoate4-Hydroxybenzoic acid sodium saltsodium parabenp-Hydroxybenzoic acid sodium saltBenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, monosodium saltMonosodium p-hydroxybenzoateMonosodium 4-hydroxybenzoateBenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:1)

16 more reported names

EINECS 204-051-1p-hydroxybenzoic acid monosodium saltV6102T509BBENZOIC ACID, p-HYDROXY-, SODIUM SALTCHEBI:113449SODIUM 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACIDBENZOIC ACID, P-HYDROXY-, MONOSODIUM SALTRefChem:887100SODIUM PARABEN [INCI]sodium;4-hydroxybenzoateC7H5NaO3H0221UNII-V6102T509B4-Hydroxybenzoate sodiumsodium parahydroxybenzoate4-Hydroxybenzoic acid sodium

Open full PubChem record PubChem annotations 3D structure image

External database identifiers

ChEBI:CHEBI:113449
ChEMBL:CHEMBL1762656
EPA DTXSID:DTXSID3059426

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View

Exact identifier match16219477

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 3.5% (3 of 86) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (96.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (96.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (95.3%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 86 reports by companies from 6 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 3 of 86 reports by companies.; There are 5 notifications provided by 83 of 86 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 20 parabens are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when the sum of the combined concentration of parabens in any given formulation does not exceed 0.8 %...Sodium Paraben... Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Sodium Paraben Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status

Source	Result	Checked
NIH PubChem PUG-View	Exact match	2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 120-47-8

CAS 120-47-8PubChem CID 8434

Ethylparaben

Ethylparaben is an ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with ethanol. It has a role as an antifungal agent, an antimicrobial food preservative, a plant metabolite and a phytoestrogen. It is an ethyl ester and a paraben. — ChEBI

IUPAC name: ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Molecular formula: C9H10O3
Molecular weight: 166.17 g/mol
Exact mass: 166.062994177 Da
XLogP3: 2.5
Topological polar surface area: 46.5 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 1
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

Ethyl parabenEthyl p-hydroxybenzoateTegosept EMycoctenEthyl parasept4-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl esterAseptoform ENipagin A

16 more reported names

EaseptolEthyl butexNapagin ANipazin ASolbrol ASobrol AEthyl parahydroxybenzoatep-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl esterEthyl p-oxybenzoateBonomold OEBenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, ethyl esterp-CarbethoxyphenolEthyl-p-hydroxybenzoateMekkings EAseptin AEthyl hydroxybenzoate

Open full PubChem record PubChem annotations 3D structure image

External database identifiers

ChEBI:CHEBI:31575
ChEMBL:CHEMBL15841
EPA DTXSID:DTXSID9022528
PubMed:39532263
PubMed:37690743
PubMed:35307500
PubMed:34101200
PubMed:33113465
PubMed:31472229
PubMed:30481674
PubMed:29162470
PubMed:27432241
PubMed:27286252
PubMed:25349334
PubMed:25012808

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View

Exact identifier match8434

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

Boiling Point: 297-298 °C (decomposition) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Boiling Point: 298.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)

Color/Form: Small, colorless crystals or powder at room temperature Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Color/Form: Crystals from dilute alcohol Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Dissociation Constants: pKa = 8.34 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

LogP: log Kow = 2.47 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
LogP: 2.47 Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)

Melting Point: ofp-hydroxybenzoic acid isolated by acidification and not recrystallised: 213 °C to 217 °C, after vacuum drying in a sulphuric acid desiccator Source: EU Food Improvement Agents
Melting Point: 117 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Melting Point: 116 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)

Odor: Odorless Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Physical Description: Liquid; Other Solid Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
Physical Description: Almost odourless, small, colourless crystals or a white, crystalline powder Source: EU Food Improvement Agents
Physical Description: Colorless solid; [Hawley] Crystalline powder; [MSDSonline] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Physical Description: Solid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)

Solubility: In water, 8.85X10+2 mg/L at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility: Solubility in water at 25 °C is 0.075% w/w; at 20 °C. 0.70% w/w Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility: Solubilities in various solvents [Table#2496] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility: AT 25 °C: 0.5 G/100 G GLYCERIN Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility: For more Solubility (Complete) data for ETHYLPARABEN (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility: 0.885 mg/mL at 25 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)

Vapor Pressure: 0.0000929 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

Carcinogen Classification: No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 60.7% (811 of 1336) of all reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
GHS Hazard Statements: H304 (33.5%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315 (38.8%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (34%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (39.3%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P272, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P331, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1336 reports by companies from 10 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 811 of 1336 reports by companies.; There are 8 notifications provided by 525 of 1336 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 100% (2 of 2) of all reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
GHS Hazard Statements: Not Classified; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 2 of 2 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2 reports by companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 2 of 2 reports by companies.; There are 0 notifications provided by 0 of 2 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
GHS Hazard Statements: H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Precautionary Statement Codes: P273, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 20 parabens are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when the sum of the combined concentration of parabens in any given formulation does not exceed 0.8 %...Ehtylparaben.. Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Ethylparaben forms small colorless crystals, or white powder. Ethylparaben inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria and is used as a preservative for pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and various cosmetic preparations. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Ethylparaben was a skin irritant in man. It gave no evidence of sensitizing potential in a human study. The paraben esters as a generic class are rare sensitizers when applied to the intact skin of man. Application to the damaged skin is a more common cause of sensitization. A methyl:ethyl:propylparaben mixture has been shown on oral administration to exacerbate pre-existing skin complaints. ANIMAL STUDIES: Ethylparaben was an eye irritant in rabbits. A low acute oral toxicity has been demonstrated for ethylparaben in laboratory animals. Limited long-term studies in rats have also indicated a low toxicity and have generated no evidence of carcinogenic activity. Ethylparaben in the diet produced cell proliferation in the forestomach of rats. No evidence of mutagenicity was reported in limited Ames Bacterial tests. Ethylparaben did increase chromosomal aberrations in a Chinese Hamster ovary cell assay, but similar effects Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 20 was calculated for ethylparaben(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.47(1) and a regression derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 119 to 209(2) indicate that ethylparaben is expected to have high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of ethylparaben is 8.34(3), indicating that this compound will partially exist in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of ethylparaben from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.8X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(5). Ethylparaben is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 9.3X10-5 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). Half-lives of about 14 days and 3.5 days were measured in aerobic screening tests conducted with phenol- and cresol-acclimated sludge over 7 day and 1 day incubation periods(7,8), respectively, suggesting that biodegradation may be an important fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 119 to 209(2), indicate that ethylparaben is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.8X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 20(SRC), from its log Kow of 2.47(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Half-lives of about 14 days and 3.5 days were measured in aerobic screening tests conducted with phenol- and cresol-acclimated sludge over 7 day and 1 day incubation periods(8,9), respectively, suggesting that biodegradation may be an important fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethylparaben, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 9.3X10-5 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylparaben is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be one day(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase ethylparaben may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Ethylparaben contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Consumer Uses: Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Ethylparaben Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
Sources/Uses: Used as a preservative for pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and various cosmetic preparations (inhibits fungal and bacterial growth); [HSDB] The parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl) were the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics (0.1% to 0.8%) until their sensitizing potential was recognized; [Marks, p. 115] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Uses: For ethylparaben (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 061202) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Uses: Antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceuticals. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Uses: Ethyl paraben ... inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria and is used as a preservative for pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and various cosmetic preparations. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Uses: ... Antibacterials that prevent /food spoilage by/ Clostridium botulinum include ... parabens ... /Parabens/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Uses: Ethylparaben is found in alcoholic beverages. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status

Source	Result	Checked
NIH PubChem PUG-View	Exact match	2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 16782-08-4

CAS 16782-08-4PubChem CID 23672310

Potassium Paraben

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 20 parabens are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when the sum of the combined concentration of parabens in any given formulation does not exceed 0.8 %...Potassium Paraben... — Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

IUPAC name: potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate

Molecular formula: C7H5KO3
Molecular weight: 176.21 g/mol
Exact mass: 175.98757550 Da
Topological polar surface area: 60.4 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 2
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

potassium p-hydroxybenzoateUNII-UHZ6Y0A8VRUHZ6Y0A8VREINECS 240-830-2MONOPOTASSIUM P-HYDROXYBENZOATE4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID POTASSIUM SALTP-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID MONOPOTASSIUM SALTBENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, MONOPOTASSIUM SALT

10 more reported names

BENZOIC ACID, P-HYDROXY-, MONOPOTASSIUM SALTBENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, POTASSIUM SALT (1:1)RefChem:175568POTASSIUM PARABEN [INCI]potassium;4-hydroxybenzoatep-hydroxybenzoic acid potassium saltP-HYDROXYBENZOICACIDPOTASSIUMSALTpotassium parahydroxybenzoateMSK2535KSafinamide Impurity 45 Potassium Salt

Open full PubChem record PubChem annotations 3D structure image

External database identifiers

EPA DTXSID:DTXSID20168378

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 35285-68-8

CAS 35285-68-8PubChem CID 52913806

SODIUM ETHYL p-HYDROXYBENZOATE

Molecular formula: C9H10NaO3
Molecular weight: 189.16 g/mol
Exact mass: 189.05276346 Da
Topological polar surface area: 46.5 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 2
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

RefChem:1098791Benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, ethyl ester, sodium saltp-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester sodium saltSodium Ethyl Parabenp-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester sodium salt;Sodium 2-ethyl-4-hydroxybenzoate

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Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 36457-19-9

CAS 36457-19-9PubChem CID 23696798

Potassium Ethylparaben

IUPAC name: potassium 4-ethoxycarbonylphenolate

Molecular formula: C9H9KO3
Molecular weight: 204.26 g/mol
Exact mass: 204.01887563 Da
Topological polar surface area: 49.4 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 2
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

ethylparaben potassiumUNII-528JBB2994EINECS 253-048-1528JBB2994ETHYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE POTASSIUM SALTP-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID ETHYL ESTER POTASSIUM SALTRefChem:175473POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN [INCI]

9 more reported names

BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, ETHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT (1:1)Potassium ethyl 4-oxidobenzoatepotassium;4-ethoxycarbonylphenolateBenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, ethyl ester, potassium saltMSK2510KHFTYFFXNUVBSII-UHFFFAOYSA-MPotassium 4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenolateETHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE POTASSIUM SALTPotassium Ethyl-p-hydroxyl Benzoate Solution, 100pm

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External database identifiers

EPA DTXSID:DTXSID50189970

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 5026-62-0

CAS 5026-62-0PubChem CID 23663626

Methylparaben Sodium

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 20 parabens are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when the sum of the combined concentration of parabens in any given formulation does not exceed 0.8 %...Sodium Methylparaben... — Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

IUPAC name: sodium 4-methoxycarbonylphenolate

Molecular formula: C8H7NaO3
Molecular weight: 174.13 g/mol
Exact mass: 174.02928836 Da
Topological polar surface area: 49.4 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 2
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

Paratexin msParidol mnaNipagin m sodiumsodium methyl parabenSolbrol m sodium saltCR6K9C2NHKMethylparaben, sodium saltNs 3500s

16 more reported names

RefChem:158282225-714-1Sodium 4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenolateSodium methylparabenMethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium saltMethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sodium saltSodium 4-carbomethoxyphenolateSodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoateMethylparaben sodium saltsodium;4-methoxycarbonylphenolateUNII-CR6K9C2NHKSodium Methyl ParahydroxybenzoateSodium methylparaben, 99%4-Hydroxybenzoic acid-methyl ester sodiumPreserval MSSolparol

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External database identifiers

ChEMBL:CHEMBL2106903
EPA DTXSID:DTXSID1042156

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 69959-44-0

CAS 69959-44-0PubChem CID 54686127

Calcium bis(4-hydroxybenzoate)

IUPAC name: calcium bis(4-carboxyphenolate)

Molecular formula: C14H10CaO6
Molecular weight: 314.30 g/mol
Exact mass: 314.0103289 Da
Topological polar surface area: 121.0 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 2
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 6
Covalent units: 3
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

EINECS 274-235-4RefChem:122778274-235-4calcium;4-carboxyphenolateMSK2535CaCalcium Bis(4-Hydroxybenzoate) Solution, 100pm

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External database identifiers

EPA DTXSID:DTXSID30220234

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 99-76-3

CAS 99-76-3PubChem CID 7456

Methylparaben

Methylparaben is a 4-hydroxybenzoate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol. It is the most frequently used antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. It occurs naturally in several fruits, particularly in blueberries. It has a role as an antifungal agent, a neuroprotective agent, an antimicrobial food preservative and a plant metabolite. — ChEBI

IUPAC name: methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Molecular formula: C8H8O3
Molecular weight: 152.15 g/mol
Exact mass: 152.047344113 Da
XLogP3: 2.0
Topological polar surface area: 46.5 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 1
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

Methyl parabenMethyl p-hydroxybenzoateNipaginTegosept MMoldexMaseptolMethyl parahydroxybenzoatep-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester

16 more reported names

Preserval MPreservalMetabenMethabenMetoxydeParidolSolbrolSeptosMethyl parasept4-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl esterMethyl butexMethyl chemoseptp-Methoxycarbonylphenolp-CarbomethoxyphenolNipagin MBenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester

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External database identifiers

ChEBI:CHEBI:31835
ChEMBL:CHEMBL325372
EPA DTXSID:DTXSID4022529
PubMed:24130033
PubMed:23032206
PubMed:23028405
PubMed:23009993
PubMed:22967656
PubMed:22967651
PubMed:22928552
PubMed:22917524
PubMed:22897632
PubMed:22887738
PubMed:22814205
PubMed:22790701

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 99-96-7

CAS 99-96-7PubChem CID 135

4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

4-hydroxybenzoic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid that is benzoic acid carrying a hydroxy substituent at C-4 of the benzene ring. It has a role as a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-hydroxybenzoate. — ChEBI

IUPAC name: 4-hydroxybenzoic acid

Molecular formula: C7H6O3
Molecular weight: 138.12 g/mol
Exact mass: 138.031694049 Da
XLogP3: 1.6
Topological polar surface area: 57.5 Å²
Hydrogen-bond donors: 2
Hydrogen-bond acceptors: 3
Covalent units: 1
Defined stereocentres: 0

Also known as

p-Hydroxybenzoic acidp-Salicylic acid4-CarboxyphenolBenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-Benzoic acid, p-hydroxy-para-Hydroxybenzoic acidp-OxybenzoesaureJG8Z55Y12H

16 more reported names

NSC-4961FEMA NO. 3986CHEBI:30763CHEBI:17879RefChem:25955202-804-94-Hydroxybenzoatep-carboxyphenol4-hydroxy benzoic acidHydroxybenzoic acid4-HydroxybenzoesaeureParaben-acidp-Oxybenzoesaure [German]p-hydroxy benzoic acid4-hydroxy-benzoic acidAcido p-idrossibenzoico [Italian]

Open full PubChem record PubChem annotations 3D structure image

External database identifiers

ChEBI:CHEBI:30763
ChEMBL:CHEMBL441343
EPA DTXSID:DTXSID3026647
PubMed:36746253
PubMed:32664952
PubMed:32122340
PubMed:26090578
PubMed:24685503
PubMed:24055644
PubMed:23074910
PubMed:23037998
PubMed:23000746
PubMed:22980106
PubMed:22978207
PubMed:22952860

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Maximum concentration

0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of esters

INCI glossary name

4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID / METHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM PARABEN /SODIUM METHYLPARABEN /SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN /ETHYLPARABEN /SODIUM PARABEN / POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN / CALCIUM PARABEN

Chemical name

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its Methyl- and Ethyl-esters, and their salts

Chemical / IUPAC name

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its Methyl- and Ethyl-esters, and their salts (4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methylparaben, potassium ethylparaben, potassium paraben, sodium methylparaben, sodium ethylparaben, ethylparaben, sodium paraben, potassium methylparaben, calcium paraben)

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2014/1004

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS

99-96-7 /99-76-3 /36457-19-9 /16782-08-4 /5026-62-0 /35285-68-8 /120-47-8 /114-63-6 /26112-0-2 /69959-44-0

202-804-9 /202-785-7 /253-048-1 /240-830-2 /225-714-1 /252-487-6 /204-399-4 /204-051-1 /247-464-2 /274-235-4

Annex

Entry number