The ingredient, explained
Methylparaben
Methylparaben has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Methyl 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
Human exposure research
A 175-person study found that application time and mask characteristics affected measured methylparaben and other chemical exposure.
What this does not tell us
Exposure measurement is not evidence of clinical harm or benefit. The preservative was not isolated as an efficacy intervention, and results do not characterize every mask or cosmetic.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 35075174 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Selective exact-identity review of 3 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
Human exposure research · n=175
Investigation of actual exposure to facial sheet mask preceding its risk assessment. ↗
Scientific reports · 2022
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- METHYLPARABEN
- CAS registry number
- 99-76-3
- EC number
- 202-785-7
Other recorded names (1)
- methylis parahydroxybenzoas
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026