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Butylparaben is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and butanol, and Butylparaben is widely used as a preservative to help protect cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, and certain industrial products from microbial spoilage.
Butylparaben is valued for strong antifungal performance, broad preservation support when combined with other parabens or preservatives, and good stability across many formulation conditions.
Butylparaben is typically used at low levels and often in combination with methylparaben or propylparaben to broaden antimicrobial coverage, but Butylparaben use must follow applicable regulatory limits for the target market and product type.
CAS Number: 94-26-8
EC Number: 202-307-7
Molecular Formula: C11H14O3
Molecular Weight: 194.23 g/mol
Synonyms: Butylparaben, Butyl Paraben, p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Butyl Ester, 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Butyl Ester, Butyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate, n-Butylparaben, Butyl p-Hydroxybenzoate, Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Butylparaben Preservative, Butylparaben USP, Butylparaben Cosmetic Preservative, Butylparaben Antifungal Preservative, Butylparaben, BUTYLPARABEN, n-Butylparaben, n-Butyl Paraben, Butyl Paraben, p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Butyl Ester, 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Butyl Ester, Butyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate, Butyl p-Hydroxybenzoate, Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Butyl Hydroxybenzoate, Butyl Ester of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, Butyl Ester of 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, butyl ester, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, butyl ester, Butylparaben (INCI), Butylparaben (preservative), Butylparaben preservative, Butylparaben antimicrobial (use context), Butylparaben antifungal (use context), Butylparaben cosmetic preservative, Butylparaben personal care preservative, Butylparaben pharmaceutical preservative, Butylparaben food preservative (where permitted), Butylparaben reagent, Butylparaben analytical standard, Butylparaben reference standard, Butylparaben high purity, Butylparaben 98%, Butylparaben 99%, Butylparaben powder, Butylparaben crystals, Butylparaben crystalline powder, Butylparaben (CAS 94-26-8), CAS 94-26-8, Butylparaben (C11H14O3), C11H14O3, Butylparaben (EC 202-318-7), EC 202-318-7, Butylparaben (EINECS 202-318-7), 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid butyl ester (IUPAC-style), Butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (IUPAC-style), Butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (paraben), Paraben Butyl (common reversed wording), Butyl Parahydroxybenzoate (alt), Butyl p-hydroxybenzoate (alt), Butyl ester of PHBA (abbrev.), PHBA butyl ester (abbrev.), pHBA butyl ester (abbrev.), p-Hydroxybenzoate, butyl (variant), 4-Hydroxybenzoate, butyl (variant), Butyl Paraben USP (labeling variant), Butyl Paraben EP (labeling variant), Butyl Paraben BP (labeling variant), Butylparaben NF (labeling variant), Butylparaben technical grade, Butylparaben cosmetic grade, Butylparaben pharmaceutical grade, Butylparaben (parahydroxybenzoate ester), Butylparaben (alkyl paraben), Butylparaben (paraben family preservative), Butylparaben (p-hydroxybenzoic ester), Butylparaben bulk, Butylparaben ingredient, Butylparaben preservative agent
APPLICATIONS
Butylparaben is used in face creams to help protect emulsions from yeast and mold contamination.
Butylparaben is incorporated into body lotions to support preservation during repeated consumer use.
Butylparaben is used in moisturizing creams where long shelf life and microbial stability are required.
Butylparaben is used in sunscreens to support product preservation during warm-weather storage and frequent handling.
Butylparaben is incorporated into after-sun gels to reduce microbial risk in water-based systems.
Butylparaben is used in beach and sports personal care products where microbial exposure is common.
Butylparaben is used in shampoos to help preserve formulations that contain water and plant-derived components.
Butylparaben is incorporated into conditioners to support microbial control in high-organic-load systems.
Butylparaben is used in hair masks to protect rich emulsions from mold growth during storage.
Butylparaben is used in shower gels and body washes to support preservation throughout the product life cycle.
Butylparaben is incorporated into hand soaps to help reduce spoilage risk in refillable or high-use formats.
Butylparaben is used in cleansing creams where emollients and surfactants require robust preservation support.
Butylparaben is used in deodorant creams to help control microbial growth in water-containing systems.
Butylparaben is incorporated into roll-on deodorants to maintain stability under repeated application.
Butylparaben is used in body sprays and emulsified mists when permitted and compatible with the system.
Butylparaben is used in makeup products such as foundations to help protect emulsions from contamination.
Butylparaben is incorporated into concealers and tinted creams to support preservation in pigmented systems.
Butylparaben is used in makeup primers to improve shelf stability in water-based formulations.
Butylparaben is used in mascaras and liquid eyeliners to support preservation in high-risk, water-based color cosmetics.
Butylparaben is incorporated into makeup removers to help prevent microbial growth in stored products.
Butylparaben is used in cream blush and cream contour products to protect from mold and yeast contamination.
Butylparaben is used in wet wipes and cleansing wipes to help preserve the aqueous lotion phase.
Butylparaben is incorporated into hygiene wipes to reduce spoilage risk after opening.
Butylparaben is used in intimate care wipes where preservation robustness is critical and regulated.
Butylparaben is used in topical pharmaceutical creams and ointments to help prevent microbial contamination in multi-dose packaging.
Butylparaben is incorporated into dermatological lotions to support stability and safe use across shelf life.
Butylparaben is used in certain oral and topical pharmaceutical preparations as an antimicrobial preservative under pharmacopeial requirements.
Butylparaben is used in syrups and liquid dosage forms in some markets to help control microbial growth in aqueous systems.
Butylparaben is incorporated into suspensions and emulsions where preservative solubility and distribution are optimized.
Butylparaben is used in compounded preparations where broad preservation is needed and permitted.
Butylparaben is used in industrial products such as coatings, polishes, and specialty cleaners to reduce microbial spoilage in water-based systems.
Butylparaben is incorporated into emulsified industrial formulations to maintain quality during storage.
Butylparaben is used in laboratory reagents and buffers in specialized cases where antimicrobial preservation is required and appropriate.
Butylparaben is used as part of paraben blends to broaden antimicrobial spectrum and improve preservative efficacy.
Butylparaben is incorporated into preservation systems to strengthen antifungal activity compared with shorter-chain parabens.
Butylparaben is valued because Butylparaben provides strong yeast and mold control and supports robust preservation when properly formulated and regulated.
Butylparaben is used as a preservative in cosmetic emulsions to help control microbial growth.
Butylparaben supports protection of creams and lotions against spoilage organisms.
Butylparaben helps extend shelf life by reducing risk of contamination during storage and use.
Butylparaben is used in facial moisturizers to support preservation of water-containing formulas.
Butylparaben helps maintain product integrity in daily-use skincare products.
Butylparaben supports stable appearance, odor, and texture over shelf life.
Butylparaben is used in body lotions and hand creams as part of preservative systems.
Butylparaben supports broad preservation performance when combined with other parabens.
Butylparaben helps control yeast and mold growth in emulsion-based products.
Butylparaben is used in sunscreens to support microbial protection of lotion and cream formats.
Butylparaben helps preserve products that are repeatedly opened and exposed to moisture.
Butylparaben supports stable product performance during summer storage and travel conditions.
Butylparaben is used in after-sun gels and body gels to protect water-rich systems.
Butylparaben supports microbial control in cooling gel formulations.
Butylparaben helps prevent spoilage that could affect user comfort and safety.
Butylparaben is used in cleansers and liquid soaps to support preservation in surfactant systems.
Butylparaben helps reduce microbial contamination risk in bathroom-use products.
Butylparaben supports stability of fragranced cleansing products during long storage.
Butylparaben is used in shampoos and conditioners to support microbial stability of hair care products.
Butylparaben helps protect products exposed to water ingress during repeated use.
Butylparaben supports long-term product consistency and acceptable odor.
Butylparaben is used in hair masks and intensive treatments where preservation is critical due to rich compositions.
Butylparaben supports control of mold and yeast in high-water, nutrient-containing products.
Butylparaben helps keep salon and home treatments stable through shelf life.
Butylparaben is used in leave-on hair tonics and scalp products to protect aqueous formulations.
Butylparaben supports stable performance in products applied repeatedly to the scalp.
Butylparaben helps maintain clear appearance and minimize microbial cloudiness.
Butylparaben is used in deodorants and antiperspirant creams to support preservation of high-water systems.
Butylparaben helps maintain product quality in warm, humid bathroom environments.
Butylparaben supports stable fragrance profile by limiting microbial degradation.
Butylparaben is used in makeup products such as foundations and concealers to preserve water-containing emulsions.
Butylparaben supports stability of pigments and texture by preventing microbial spoilage.
Butylparaben helps prevent odor changes and separation driven by contamination.
Butylparaben is used in liquid makeup products such as tinted moisturizers and BB creams as a preservative.
Butylparaben supports safe, stable use across repeated consumer applications.
Butylparaben helps reduce risk of microbial growth in pump and tube packaging systems.
Butylparaben is used in mascara and liquid eyeliner systems where preservation is important due to eye-area use.
Butylparaben supports microbiological stability in water-containing eye cosmetics when permitted.
Butylparaben helps reduce contamination-related spoilage in frequently opened products.
Butylparaben is used in makeup removers and cleansing balms that contain water phases or emulsified water.
DESCRIPTION
Butylparaben is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder with low odor and good stability under normal storage conditions.
Butylparaben is more lipophilic than methylparaben and propylparaben, and this makes Butylparaben particularly useful for antifungal support in oil-containing emulsions.
Butylparaben has limited water solubility, so Butylparaben is often pre-dissolved in alcohols, glycols, or the oil phase and then incorporated with proper mixing and temperature control.
Butylparaben is commonly used in combination with other preservatives because a multi-component system can improve overall antimicrobial coverage and reduce the required level of each component.
Butylparaben efficacy depends on pH, formulation polarity, solubilization, and packaging hygiene, so preservative efficacy testing is recommended for finished products.
Butylparaben is generally stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges, and Butylparaben is compatible with many surfactants, oils, and polymers when properly solubilized.
Butylparaben should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
Butylparaben should be handled with appropriate PPE to avoid dust inhalation and unnecessary skin or eye contact during manufacturing.
Butylparaben must be used in compliance with applicable regulations and labeling requirements for the intended market and product category.
Butylparaben is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and butanol used as an antimicrobial preservative.
Butylparaben is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder with low odor.
Butylparaben has stronger activity against molds and yeasts compared with shorter-chain parabens.
Butylparaben is poorly soluble in water and is more soluble in alcohols, glycols, and oils.
Butylparaben is often dissolved in a suitable solvent or pre-blended to enable uniform incorporation.
Butylparaben is commonly used in combination with other parabens to broaden antimicrobial spectrum.
Butylparaben works by inhibiting microbial growth, helping protect products from spoilage and contamination.
Butylparaben efficacy depends on pH, solubilization, and overall formulation composition.
Butylparaben performance can be reduced if it crystallizes or partitions away from the aqueous phase.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C11H14O3
Molecular Weight: 194.23 g/mol
Common Name: Butylparaben
Chemical Type: Paraben preservative (p-hydroxybenzoate ester)
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Practically odorless
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohols, glycols, and many oils (system dependent)
Melting Point: ~117–125°C (typical)
pKa: Weakly acidic phenolic group (system dependent)
LogP: Relatively high compared with shorter-chain parabens (lipophilic)
pH Use Range: Commonly effective in mildly acidic to neutral ranges (formulation dependent)
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers and extreme conditions
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–48 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder charging.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture, direct sunlight, and contamination to maintain purity and performance.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using equipment designed for fine powders.
Place collected material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean the area with wet wiping if needed to remove residues and reduce dust dispersion.
Handling Precautions:
Pre-dissolve Butylparaben in a suitable solvent phase when needed to ensure uniform distribution and effective preservation.
Perform preservative efficacy testing on finished formulations to confirm microbial protection across shelf life.
Use Butylparaben only within permitted concentration limits and for approved product categories in the target market.
