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 Uses
- 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.
Busan
Busan is a brand name associated with a comprehensive range of specialty chemicals, primarily including surfactants, dispersants, and performance additives. These products are engineered to optimize the properties of coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, and other industrial formulations. Busan specialty chemicals enhance formulation stability, improve pigment dispersion, control rheology, and boost wetting and flow characteristics, leading to superior application and end-use performance. Designed for versatility and efficiency, Busan products are widely used across the coatings, printing, plastics, and chemical manufacturing industries.
Cetrimide Powder
Cetrimide Powder is a high-purity quaternary ammonium compound widely used for its antiseptic, disinfectant, and surfactant properties. It is a cationic surfactant derived from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight characteristic odor. Known for its excellent antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi, cetrimide is frequently incorporated in pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial formulations. It acts as a bactericidal agent, detergent, and emulsifier, providing effective cleaning and disinfecting action.
Methylene Glycol
Methylene Glycol is a chemical compound formed by the reversible reaction of formaldehyde with water. It exists in equilibrium with formaldehyde in aqueous solutions and is commonly used as a disinfectant, preservative, and industrial biocide. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is widely applied in water treatment, cosmetics, and embalming fluids.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, appearing as a white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It is widely used as a preservative due to its antimicrobial properties, especially effective against yeast and bacteria in acidic conditions. Sodium Benzoate is commonly employed in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. It meets food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade purity standards, ensuring safety for consumption and topical use.
Sodium Methyl Paraben
Sodium Methyl Paraben is the sodium salt of methylparaben, a widely used preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is water-soluble and effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. As a paraben derivative, it helps prevent microbial contamination and extends shelf life. It is often preferred over methylparaben in formulations where water solubility is required.
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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