Methyl Paraben

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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.

Description

Primary Uses 

  1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

    • Preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, and makeup to prevent microbial contamination.

    • Enhances product stability and shelf life.

  2. Pharmaceuticals

    • Used as a preservative in topical formulations, syrups, and injectables to inhibit microbial growth.

  3. Food Industry

    • Acts as a preservative in baked goods, beverages, and processed foods to prevent spoilage.

Secondary Uses

  1. Industrial Applications

    • Used in the preservation of adhesives and inks to prevent bacterial degradation.

  2. Laboratory Reagent

Employed as a preservative in biological and chemical reagents.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

Key Attributes

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

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

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

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

 

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Complies with FDA, USP, and European pharmacopoeia standards

  • Approved as a food preservative (E218) and cosmetic preservative under various regulations

 

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

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

  1. Inhalation: Move to fresh air if irritation occurs

  2. Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water

  3. Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  4. 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