High concernPreservative
Propylparaben
ParabenEndocrine disruptorReproductive toxicantAllergen
What it is
The n-propyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Longer carbon chains in parabens correlate with higher estrogenic potency and lipid solubility.
What it does
Preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, and many food products, where it keeps microbial counts low at levels typically under 0.2%.
Why it’s a concern
Propylparaben is classified as a substance of concern by the European Food Safety Authority, which reduced its acceptable daily intake to zero in 2004 due to effects on male rat reproductive organs. A 2002 study by Oishi in Food and Chemical Toxicology reported decreased sperm production and testosterone in juvenile rats exposed to propylparaben. The EU now bans it in leave-on cosmetics for children under three below certain concentrations.
Also known as
propyl parabenpropyl 4-hydroxybenzoatee216
CAS numbers
94-13-3
Commonly found in
lotiondeodorantmakeupprocessed food
Safer alternatives
- phenoxyethanol at low levels
- sodium benzoate
- potassium sorbate
Related chemical families
Sources
- EFSA Opinion on Propylparaben 2004
- Oishi 2002, Food and Chemical Toxicology