Ethylparaben
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: ETHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE, 120-47-8, Ethyl paraben, Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Tegosept E, Mycocten, Ethyl parasept, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester, Aseptoform E
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
Ethylparaben is found in alcoholic beverages. Ethylparaben is an antimicrobial agent, preservative. Ethylparaben is present in red wine, white wine and sake. Ethylparaben belongs to the family of Hydroxybenzoic Acid Derivatives. These are compounds containing an hydroxybenzoic acid (or a derivative), which is a benzene ring bearing a carboxylic acid.
Solubility In water, 8.85X10+2 mg/L at 25 °C
Formula
C9H10O3
Mol. Weight
166.17
CAS #
120-47-8
Form
Powder
State
Almost odourless, small, colourless crystals or a white, crystalline powder
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
Traditional Use
Discovered in the early 20th century as a synthetic preservative. Developed as a safer, more stable alternative to naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds found in fruits and plants.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
8.0%
0%11%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 8.0%. 0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of esters Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 12. Dermal absorption: 0.1%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 746).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR