Common Name(s): Ethylparaben
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds in cosmetic formulations, protecting product safety and extending shelf life.
Why It's Used: Preservatives protect consumers from microbial contamination that can cause skin infections; they are a non-negotiable safety requirement for water-containing products.
How It Works: The preservative molecule penetrates microbial cell walls or membranes, disrupting metabolic enzyme function, inhibiting cell division, or causing membrane lysis depending on the specific preservative class.
Typically Found In: All water-containing cosmetic products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Preservatives
Secondary Functions: Antimicrobial
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01–1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Synthetic preservative; no animal components. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1
Comedogenicity Rating: 0
Sensitivity Concerns: Sensitization possible in susceptible individuals; always perform challenge testing; label if required by local regulations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Permitted in cosmetics within regulatory concentration limits. challenge testing (iso 11930) required. generally non-irritating at permitted concentrations.
Works Well With: Other preservatives in challenge-tested systems; edta (chelating agent)
Avoid Combining With: Formulations above maximum permitted concentration limits
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Preservative efficacy is governed by the antimicrobial challenge test (iso 11930). effective systems maintain log reduction ≥3 against bacteria (e. coli, s. aureus, p. aeruginosa) and ≥2 against fungi (c. albicans, a. brasiliensis) at specified time points. minimum inhibitory concentration (mic) values, ph-activity relationships, and formulation interactions determine the effective concentration window.
Last Verified: 2025-01-15
Primary Sources: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; eu cosmetics regulation annex v; sccs preservative safety opinions