The ingredient, explained

Propylparaben

A published expert safety assessment covers the exact ingredient in the specified exposure context.

PerfumingPreservative

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

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

Perfuming: A formulation role for perfume and aromatic raw materials that give a product its scent.
Preservative: Helps inhibit microbial growth in the cosmetic product.

Function definitions: Danish Environmental Protection Agency: Cosmetic fragrance functions ↗ · 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

Panel judged listed parabens including propylparaben safe in described cosmetic use when combined parabens do not exceed 0.8%.

What this does not tell us

Group safety conclusion with specified total concentration, not efficacy or current worldwide regulatory clearance. Anal fissure combination does not study preservative efficacy.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 32723119 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

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