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.
Propyl paraben
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Used as a preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, and makeup products to prevent microbial contamination.
- Helps maintain product stability and extends shelf life.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Added to topical and oral pharmaceutical formulations to protect against microbial growth.
- Common in ointments, creams, and suspensions.
- Food Industry
- Utilized as a food preservative, especially in baked goods, beverages, and processed foods to prevent spoilage.
Secondary Uses
- Industrial Applications
- Employed in industrial products such as adhesives and paints for antimicrobial protection.
- Veterinary Products
- Used as a preservative in veterinary pharmaceuticals and topical products.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
- Common/Trade Name: Propyl Paraben
- CAS Number: 94-13-3
- HS Code: 2914.11
- Synonyms: Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate; E216
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline powder
- Color & Odor: White; odorless or faint characteristic odor
- Melting Point: Approximately 97–102°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: May cause skin irritation; low acute toxicity
- Toxicity: Low; generally recognized as safe at recommended concentrations
- Exposure Limits: Follow product safety guidelines
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture
- Container Type: Sealed plastic or glass containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation and inhalation
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food by regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, EU)
- Compliance with safety standards and labeling regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low; no significant bioaccumulation
- Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and dust mask recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation and skin contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and protected from moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; get medical help if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO₂
- Special Precautions: Use protective equipment and avoid inhalation of smoke
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, toxic fumes
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.
Bronopol
Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) is a water-soluble, white crystalline powder or granules with a slight odor. It is a synthetic antimicrobial agent widely used as a preservative in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Bronopol exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal and fungicidal activity, making it effective against a wide range of microorganisms. It works by releasing active formaldehyde slowly, which disrupts microbial metabolism and reproduction.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol 10 is a glycol ether commonly used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild floral scent. Phenoxyethanol offers broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective alternative to parabens in many products. Its stability, low toxicity, and compatibility with various ingredients make it a popular choice in personal care and industrial applications.
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.
Pullulan
Pullulan is a natural polysaccharide polymer produced by the fermentation of starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is a water-soluble, tasteless, and odorless biopolymer widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its excellent film-forming, adhesive, and oxygen barrier properties. Pullulan is biodegradable, non-toxic, and approved for use in various applications requiring edible and biodegradable films.
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.
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Vitamin B2 Riboflavin base, commonly known as Riboflavin Base, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for energy production, cellular function, and metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. It is a vital component of coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which participate in numerous biological oxidation-reduction reactions. Riboflavin base is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food fortification, and dietary supplements.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL)
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine HCL, also known as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B6 used extensively in the pharmaceutical, food, and feed industries. It is essential for protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, red blood cell formation, and immune function. As a stable and bioavailable form of B6, it is widely incorporated in dietary supplements, fortified foods, clinical nutrition, and animal feed.

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