The Basics On Methylparaben
What is Methylparaben?
A type of paraben, part of the group of controversial preservatives.
What are other names for Methylparaben?
4-HYDROXY- METHYL ESTER BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT, BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT, BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, SODIUM SALT, BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, METHYL ESTER, BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, METHYL ESTER, SODIUM SALT, METHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE, METHYL ESTER 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER POTASSIUM SALT 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER POTASSIUM SALT BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER SODIUM SALT BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, METHYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE POTASSIUM SALT, METHYL PARAHYDROXYBENZOATE, METHYLPARABE, METHYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, POTASSIUM SALT, METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM SALT, P-CARBOMRYHOXYPHENOL, P-METHOXYCARBONYLPHENOL, POTASSIUM METHYL 4-OXIDOBENZOATE, POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN, POTASSIUM SALT 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM 4-(METHOXYCARBONYL)PHENOLATE, SODIUM 4-CARBOMETHOXYPHENOLATE, SODIUM METHYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM P-METHOXYCARBONYLPHENOXIDE, SODIUM SALT BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, and SODIUM SALT METHYLPARABEN
What is Methylparaben used for?
Parabens are a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in food, therapeutic and cosmetic products. They are derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), which occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Parabens come in several forms: methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, and isobutylparaben. They are the most widely used preservative in personal care products and are used in over 22,000 cosmetics as preservatives at concentrations up to 0.8% (mixtures of parabens) or up to 0.4% (single paraben)1. Their high usage is because they are good at doing their job—keeping your products mold and bacteria free—and they are also cost-effective.
How Methylparaben is classified
Preservatives
Recommendations for using Methylparaben during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid
Methylparaben During Pregnancy
What we know about using Methylparaben while pregnant or breastfeeding
Avoid
N/A
General safety info about Methylparaben from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Look for products containing Phenoxyethanol or Sodium Benzoate (and Benzoic Acid), potentially in combination with Potassium Sorbate, instead of parabens
Products where you might find Methylparaben
N/A
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benzylparaben as used in cosmetic products. Int J Toxicol. 2008;27 Suppl 4:1-82. [PubMed] 2. Darbre P, Aljarrah A, Miller W, Coldham N, Sauer M, Pope G. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. J Appl Toxicol. 2004;24(1):5-13. [PubMed] Related Articles: Glossary: Preservatives Glossary: Phenoxyethanol
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.