Propyl 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
Phenolic Acid
Not Clean
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.
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
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a synthetic antioxidant derived from gallic acid (found in plant tannins). Used since the 1940s in cosmetics and food preservation to prevent oxidative degradation and rancidity in formulations containing oils.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Sun Damage
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR