Potassium Propylparaben
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Potassium propyl 4-oxidobenzoate, Benzoic acid, Propyl ester, Potassium salt, BENZOIC ACID, PROPYL ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT (1:1)
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
Potassium propyl 4-oxidobenzoate
Formula
C10H11KO3
Mol. Weight
218.29
CAS #
84930-16-5
Form
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.
Preserves Formula
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
A synthetic preservative developed in the early 20th century as part of the paraben family of antimicrobials. Created to prevent microbial spoilage in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
14.0%
0%20%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 14.0%. - 0,14% (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations - 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in entry 12 and 12a, here the sum of the individual concentrations of butyl and propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0,14%. For leave -on products designed for children under three years of age: Do not use on the nappy area Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 12 bis. Dermal absorption: 0.1%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 746).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR