Propylparaben, the ''n''-propyl

ester In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides a ...

of ''p''-hydroxybenzoic acid, occurs as a

natural Nature, in the broadest sense, is the physical world or universe. "Nature" can refer to the phenomena of the physical world, and also to life in general. The study of nature is a large, if not the only, part of science. Although humans are ...

substance found in many plants and some insects, although it is manufactured synthetically for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. It is a member of the class of

paraben Parabens are a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Chemically, they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Parabens are effective p ...

s. It is a

preservative A preservative is a substance or a chemical that is added to products such as food products, beverages, pharmaceutical drugs, paints, biological samples, cosmetics, wood, and many other products to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by ...

typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and bath products. As a food additive, it has the E number E216. Sodium propyl ''p''-hydroxybenzoate, the

sodium Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na (from Latin ''natrium'') and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Sodium is an alkali metal, being in group 1 of the periodic table. Its only stable ...

salt Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in the form of a natural crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in vast quant ...

of propylparaben, a compound with formula Na(C₃H₇(C₆H₄COO)O), is also used similarly as a food additive and as an anti-fungal preservation agent. Its E number is E217. In 2010 the European Union Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety stated that it considered the use of butylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives in finished cosmetic products as safe to the consumer, as long as the sum of their individual concentrations does not exceed 0.19%.

Uses

Propylparaben has antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is typically used in a variety of water-based cosmetics and personal-care products. It is also used as a food additive, and is designated with E number E216. Propylparaben is also a Standardized Chemical Allergen and is used in allergenic testing.

References

{{Reflist Parabens Propyl esters ja:プロピルパラベン