Preservative ingredient
Methylparaben
A short-chain paraben preservative permitted up to 0.4% in cosmetics under EU and US regulations; effective against bacteria and fungi.
Also known as: methyl paraben, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
preservative
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation at low concentrations
Watch for
- ⚠Weak estrogenic activity; subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny
- ⚠EU SCCS and CIR have deemed safe at ≤0.4% (as acid); avoid in products for infant nappy area
- ⚠Rare skin sensitization possible
