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The ingredient, explained

Ethylparaben

Ethylparaben has published research relevant to cosmetic safety assessment.

Preservative
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Preservative
Helps inhibit microbial growth in the cosmetic product.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

The report reviews dermal absorption, irritation and sensitization, plus systemic and reproductive toxicology, using exposure-based safety margins.

What this does not tell us

Historical assessment at the concentrations described. Grouped evidence and oral or injected experiments do not demonstrate topical clinical benefit or current regulatory status.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 19101832 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 1 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 74 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

INCI name on ingredient lists
ETHYLPARABEN
CAS registry number
120-47-8
EC number
204-399-4

Sources for this ingredient record