murphyMethylparaben
AKA: USP
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, a compound derived from petroleum or produced through bacterial fermentation. Produced through esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol using acid catalysts.
Methylparaben is found in alcoholic beverages. Methylparaben is an antimicrobial agent, preservative, flavouring agent. Methylparaben is a constituent of cloudberry, yellow passion fruit, white wine, botrytised wine and Bourbon vanilla. Methylparaben has been shown to exhibit anti-microbial function Methylparaben 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. (A3204).
Formula
C8H8O3
Mol. Weight
152.15
CAS #
99-76-3
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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.
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 427 and 746)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
6 studies / 2 irritating / 2 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 427 and 746)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
8 studies / 3 irritating / 2 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions mild to moderate (CIR 427 and 746)
Mixed Sensitization Results
9 studies / 1 sensitizing / 8 not sensitizing / plus 6 case reports (CIR 427 and 746)
Dermal Absorption 0.057–60%
6 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 746)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0000043–0.8%
Rinse-off0.000001–0.9%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.4%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
EU/SCCS limit: 0.4% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1652/23
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR