murphyPropyl Gallate
AKA: 121-79-9, Propyl 3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoate, N-Propyl gallate, Progallin P, Gallic acid, Propyl ester, Tenox PG, Nipagallin P, Gallic acid propyl ester, NIPA 49
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Fragrance
Not Clean
OriginPropyl gallate is synthesized from gallic acid, a phenolic compound derived from plant sources like tannic acid-rich materials. It is produced through esterification of gallic acid with propanol using acid catalysts.
Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C10H12O5
Mol. Weight
212.20
CAS #
121-79-9
Form
Liquid
State
Propyl gallate appears as fine white to creamy-white crystalline powder. Odorless or with a faint odor. Melting point 150 °C. Insoluble in water. Slightly bitter taste.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Sun Damage
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used · CIR tentative re-review report (2026)
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 195 and 428 and 911)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
8 studies / 1 irritating / 4 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 428 and 911)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
30 studies / 5 irritating / 10 mixed / 15 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 195 and 428 and 911)
Mixed Sensitization Results
23 studies / 7 sensitizing / 2 mixed / 14 not sensitizing / plus 16 case reports (CIR 428 and 911)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.000003–0.1%
Rinse-off0.0000024–0.0037%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2024 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR