Methyl Paraben
Methyl Paraben is a white to off-white crystalline powder widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. It is a member of the paraben family of preservatives known for their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Methyl Paraben helps extend the shelf life of products by preventing microbial growth without affecting the product’s texture or color.
Methyl Paraben
Primary UsesÂ
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- Preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, and makeup to prevent microbial contamination.
- Enhances product stability and shelf life.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used as a preservative in topical formulations, syrups, and injectables to inhibit microbial growth.
- Food Industry
- Acts as a preservative in baked goods, beverages, and processed foods to prevent spoilage.
Secondary Uses
- Industrial Applications
- Used in the preservation of adhesives and inks to prevent bacterial degradation.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Employed as a preservative in biological and chemical reagents.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
- Common/Trade Name: Methyl Paraben
- CAS Number: 99-76-3
- HS Code: 2916.39.00
- Synonyms: Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate; E218; Parahydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Powder or crystalline solid
- Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless or faint aromatic odor
- Melting Point: 125 – 128°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform
- Density: Approx. 1.32 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous at typical use concentrations
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at regulated levels
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits; standard handling precautions
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from strong oxidizers
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed bags or containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 24 months if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use gloves and dust masks if necessary
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with FDA, USP, and European pharmacopoeia standards
- Approved as a food preservative (E218) and cosmetic preservative under various regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact when used as directed
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, and safety goggles recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of dust
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and stored away from incompatible materials
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if symptoms occur
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Wear protective equipment to avoid dust inhalation
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon oxides and other toxic fumes under fire conditions
Related products
Benzoic Acid
 Benzoic Acid is a white crystalline solid with a faint, pleasant odor, classified as a simple aromatic carboxylic acid. It is widely used as a food preservative, antimicrobial agent, and chemical intermediate. Naturally occurring in many plants, it is commercially produced through oxidation of toluene or extraction from natural sources. Benzoic acid is valued for its ability to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and certain bacteria, making it essential in food preservation and cosmetic formulations. It also serves as a precursor in the manufacture of various pharmaceuticals, dyes, and plasticizers.
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild pleasant odor and clear, colorless liquid appearance. It serves as a versatile solvent, preservative, and intermediate in chemical synthesis. Benzyl Alcohol is widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and as a bacteriostatic agent in injectable drugs. Its relatively low toxicity and good solvent properties make it valuable in both industrial and consumer products.
Chlorobutanol BP
Chlorobutanol BP (also known as 1,1,1-Trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol) is a white crystalline solid or powder, with a slight camphor-like odor and a bitter taste. It is a multifunctional preservative, anesthetic, and antimicrobial agent commonly used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care products. Chlorobutanol exhibits bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties, making it effective in preventing microbial contamination in aqueous formulations. It also possesses mild local anesthetic effects, frequently used in ophthalmic and injectable preparations as a preservative and stabilizer.
Chlorocresol BP
Chlorocresol BP, also known as PCMC (Para-Chlorometa-Cresol), is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a characteristic phenolic odor. It is a chlorinated phenol derivative widely used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative. It exhibits effective bactericidal and fungicidal activity, making it a preferred preservative in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care products. Chlorocresol is valued for its stability, solubility in aqueous and alcoholic systems, and compatibility with various formulation types. It helps inhibit microbial growth, thereby enhancing product shelf life and safety.
Potassium Sorbate FCC
 Potassium Sorbate FCC (Food Chemical Codex) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a white crystalline powder widely used as a food preservative. It effectively inhibits the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria, thus extending the shelf life of various food and beverage products. Known for its low toxicity and minimal impact on flavor, Potassium Sorbate is a preferred preservative in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Propyl paraben
Propyl Paraben is a widely used preservative belonging to the paraben family, known for its antimicrobial properties. It is commonly employed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products. Propyl Paraben is favored for its effectiveness, low toxicity, and compatibility with a broad range of formulations, helping extend product shelf life while maintaining safety.
Propylparaben (Prop BH)
Prop BH, also known as Propylparaben or Propyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate, is an organic compound belonging to the paraben family of preservatives. It appears as colorless small crystals or a white crystalline powder with a characteristic mild odor and a slightly bitter taste. The compound is practically insoluble in cold water but readily soluble in alcohols, ethers, and other organic solvents. Propylparaben is widely recognized for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly effective against molds, yeasts, and bacteria. Propylparaben is manufactured for use as a preservative in various industrial applications and is not intended for direct human consumption without appropriate certification.
Zinc Pyrithione
 Zinc Pyrithione is a high-purity antimicrobial and antifungal compound derived from the coordination of zinc with pyrithione (1-hydroxy-2-pyridinethione). It is widely used as an active ingredient in personal care formulations, industrial coatings, and materials preservation due to its broad-spectrum biocidal efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and algae. Its excellent thermal stability and compatibility with various systems make it ideal for diverse industrial and cosmetic applications.

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