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Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleNZOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl- and ethyl-esters, and their salts e.g. ethylparaben

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 12.

All New Zealand recordsOpen ingredient profileCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Permitted list with conditions
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 12.
Conditions and restrictions
Maximum concentration: 0.4% (acid) for single ester 0.8% (acid) for mixtures of esters

Substance identity

Official source name
4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl- and ethyl-esters, and their salts e.g. ethylparaben
CAS
120-47-8
EC
204-399-4
Identity mapping
cas_number
Linked ingredient
ETHYLPARABEN
Search this identity across the siteCAS 120-47-8EC 204-399-4

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

ETHYLPARABENethylparaben

CosIng description: Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

EU inventory restriction note: V/12

Recorded cosmetic function: FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE

Function pages:FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

4 market datasets

European Union

Positive-list entry with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record

Great Britain

Permitted list with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record

New Zealand

Current record
Permitted list with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 120-47-8
CAS 120-47-8PubChem CID 8434

Verified chemistry for CAS 120-47-8

Ethylparaben

IUPAC name
ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Molecular formula
C9H10O3
Molecular weight
166.17 g/mol
Exact mass
166.062994177 Da
Monoisotopic mass
166.062994177 Da
XLogP3
2.5
Topological polar surface area
46.5 Ų
Molecular complexity
148.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Rotatable bonds
3
Heavy atoms
12
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

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 recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
3
3D rings
1
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
1
3D donor features
1
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
7
Effective 3D rotors
3.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
CCOC(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)O
InChI
InChI=1S/C9H10O3/c1-2-12-9(11)7-3-5-8(10)6-4-7/h3-6,10H,2H2,1H3
InChIKey
NUVBSKCKDOMJSU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8434

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

  • 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)

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
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

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

Official source and provenance

Registered source
New Zealand cosmetic product schedules 4–8
Source reference
Schedule 7, reference 12, source row 53
Source record ID
S7-53
Source version
effective-2026-01-01
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Effective date
2026-01-01
Source updated
2024-01-01
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:54 UTC
Validation method
openpyxl extraction; reviewed per-schedule counts
SHA-256
4e62e372fb0aad7ac630af8c41fa50b38b52a793fd51b99697a65f8ecce1ae8a

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Prohibited and restricted substances, permitted colorants, preservatives and UV filters
Authority note
Official EPA group standard schedules; current market-specific rule source
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

2913
current New Zealand records
357
records marked Permitted list with conditions
2913
records from this source version
2821
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Permitted list with conditions: 357Prohibited: 2166Restricted: 390

Condition text is present on 747 of 2913 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

New Zealand market context

Complete schedules dataset

Coverage version: Cosmetic Products Group Standard schedules effective 1 January 2026

Schedules 4–8: prohibited, restricted, colourant, preservative and UV-filter entries.

Verification checklist

  1. Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
  2. Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
  3. Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
  4. Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl- and ethyl-esters, and their salts e.g. ethylparaben” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
  3. Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
  4. Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
  5. Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textAvailable
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This identity appears on a market positive list for the list function represented by the source record. Confirm that the intended function and product use fall within the list scope and every stated condition.

Positive-list presence is purpose-specific and is not blanket approval for every cosmetic use. The searchable spreadsheet is an aid; the legal Group Standard and incorporated notices remain authoritative.

The record cites Schedule 7, reference 12, source row 53, source version effective-2026-01-01. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl- and ethyl-esters, and their salts e.g. ethylparaben. Schedule 7, reference 12, source row 53. New Zealand. Source version effective-2026-01-01. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/nz/records/9469/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for New Zealand

This identity appears on a market positive list for the list function represented by the source record.

Confirm that the intended function and product use fall within the list scope and every stated condition.

How to interpret the legal role

The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Permitted list with conditions
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: effective-2026-01-01
  • Effective date: 2026-01-01

What it does not prove

The searchable spreadsheet is an aid; the legal Group Standard and incorporated notices remain authoritative.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source