murphyPropylparaben
molecular structure · PubChem
Synthetic
Preservative
Fragrance
Not Clean
Propylparaben is the benzoate ester that is the propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preservative typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products. Also used as a food additive. It has a role as an antimicrobial agent and an antifungal agent. It is a member of phenols, a benzoate ester and a paraben. It is functionally related to a propan-1-ol and a 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.
Mol. Weight
180.20
CAS #
94-13-3
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
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
9
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 746)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions minimal to slight (CIR 746)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
7 studies / 4 irritating / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 427 and 746)
Mixed Sensitization Results
6 studies / 1 sensitizing / 5 not sensitizing / plus 6 case reports (CIR 427 and 746)
Dermal Absorption 0.028–20%
3 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 746)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00000014–0.7%
Rinse-off0.00000026–0.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
🧂Conflict of interest.
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR