Common Name(s): Potassium methylparaben,potassium methylparaben,ethyl paraben preservative,eu annex v antimicrobial
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides broad-spectrum preservation against bacteria, yeasts, and moulds โ particularly effective against dermatophytes and cosmetically-relevant contaminants (pseudomonas, staphylococcus, aspergillus, candida).
Why It's Used: Parabens are the most extensively studied cosmetic preservatives with the longest safety track record โ the well-characterised estrogenic activity at long chain lengths (propyl, butyl) has been quantified and risk-assessed, enabling evidence-based concentration limits.
How It Works: Parabens penetrate skin as the unionised acid form (below pka ~8.5) accumulating in sc where the acid disrupts microbial membrane function and inhibits atp synthesis. chain length determines antimicrobial potency (longer = more potent) and estrogenic activity (longer = higher erฮฑ agonism at high concentrations). at permitted cosmetic concentrations, erฮฑ occupancy is 4-6 orders of magnitude below endogenous estradiol.
Typically Found In: Preserved cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Eu annex v: 0.4% alone, 0.8% total
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Paraben labelling requirement: individual paraben inci names must appear in the ingredients list. eu 2014 restriction: propylparaben and butylparaben prohibited in cosmetics for children under 3 and leave-on products for the nappy area. verify current restrictions for target product type.
Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex v,potassium methylparaben paraben preservative regulatory review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22