Methylparaben
⚠ EU RestrictedIdentification
CAS Number 99-76-3
EINECS / EC 202-785-7
CosIng Ref 35342
Chemical Name methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
IUPAC Name —
Formula C8H8O3
Mol. Weight 152.15 g/mol
SMILES COC(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)O
InChIKey LXCFILQKKLGQFO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Function & Classification
Primary Function Preservative
Secondary Functions PRESERVATIVE
Origin Synthetic
EU Regulatory Status
Max Leave-on 0.4%
Max Rinse-off 0.4%
Restrictions 0.4% alone; 0.19% in paraben mixtures
Conditions of Use Max 0.4% alone / max 0.14% in paraben mixtures (methyl + ethyl as acid). Not in leave-on products for children under 3 years on the nappy area.
Mandatory Warning Not to be used in leave-on products for children under 3 years of age for application on the nappy area.
SCCS Opinion View SCCS opinion →
Safety Profile
2 / 10
Skin Type Compatibility
Fungal Acne Safe ✓ Safe
Toxicology Profile
NOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day (oral, rat) SCCS/0873/05 / CIR 2019
Sensitization Non-sensitizer
Genotoxicity Non-genotoxic
Phototoxicity Non-phototoxic
Dermal Absorption 17.4%
LD₅₀ Oral 3700 mg/kg (rat)
Skin Irritation (Draize) 0.2 / 4.0
Eye Irritation (Draize) 0.5 / 4.0
Source SCCS Opinion ↗
Formulation Guidelines
Usage level, pH range, solubility and addition phase not yet available.
Usage Level % · Addition Phase · Solubility
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