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Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is a paraben preservative used widely to inhibit microbial growth in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and some specialty products, and Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is valued for broad antimicrobial activity with strong performance against fungi.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is commonly known as Methylparaben, and Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is often used in combination with other parabens or preservative systems to improve overall coverage and robustness.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate must be used according to local regulations because preservative allowances and concentration limits vary by region and product category, and Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate should be incorporated with attention to solubility and pH behavior.
CAS Number: 99-76-3
EC Number: 202-785-9
Molecular Formula: C8H8O3
Molecular Weight: 152.15 g/mol
Synonyms: Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate, Methylparaben, p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Methyl Ester, Methyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate, 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Methyl Ester, Methyl Paraben Preservative, Methylparaben Preservative, Paraben Methyl, Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate, E218, Methylparaben E218, Methyl Paraben USP/FCC (grade dependent), Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate, Methyl para-Hydroxybenzoate, Methyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate, p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Methyl Ester, para-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Methyl Ester, 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Methyl Ester, Methylparaben, Methyl Paraben, Methyl p-Hydroxy Benzoate, Methyl para-Hydroxy Benzoate, Methyl 4-Hydroxy Benzoate, p-Carbomethoxyphenol, para-Carbomethoxyphenol, 4-Carbomethoxyphenol, p-Hydroxybenzoate Methyl Ester, para-Hydroxybenzoate Methyl Ester, 4-Hydroxybenzoate Methyl Ester, Benzoic Acid 4-Hydroxy Methyl Ester, Benzoic Acid p-Hydroxy Methyl Ester, Benzoic Acid para-Hydroxy Methyl Ester, Methyl Ester of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, Methyl Ester of para-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, Methyl Ester of 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Methyl 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Ester, Methyl p-Oxybenzoate, Methyl para-Oxybenzoate, Nipagin, Nipagin M, Tegosept M, Uniphen P-23, Methylparaben FCC, Methylparaben USP, Methylparaben BP, Methylparaben EP, Methylparaben NF, Methyl Paraben FCC, Methyl Paraben USP, Methyl Paraben BP, Methyl Paraben EP, Methyl Paraben NF, Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate Food Grade, Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate Pharmaceutical Grade, Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate Cosmetic Grade, Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate Technical Grade, Methylparaben Food Grade, Methylparaben Pharmaceutical Grade, Methylparaben Cosmetic Grade, Methylparaben Technical Grade, Methylparaben Preservative, Methyl Paraben Preservative, Methylparaben Antimicrobial, Methyl Paraben Antimicrobial, Methylparaben Antifungal, Methyl Paraben Antifungal, Methylparaben Reagent Grade
APPLICATIONS
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in creams and lotions as a preservative to inhibit yeast and mold growth and to support bacterial control in combination systems.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into body lotions to improve microbial stability during storage and consumer use.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in facial creams where preservative robustness is required and regulations allow.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in shampoos and conditioners as part of preservative systems to prevent microbial contamination in water-based products.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into rinse-off products where pH and solubility are managed for effective preservation.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in shower gels and liquid soaps to support fungal control in compatible formulations.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in makeup products such as foundations, concealers, and powders to protect against microbial spoilage.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into mascaras and eye-area products only when permitted and formulated within strict safety and regulatory constraints.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in sunscreens to improve preservation of emulsions and water-based systems.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in personal care wipes to inhibit microbial growth in wet wipe liquids and to protect products during storage.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into cleansing wipes where preservative efficacy must be validated with challenge testing.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in baby wipes only when permitted by regulations and safety assessments and when alternative systems are unsuitable.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in pharmaceutical syrups and oral liquids as a preservative in compatible dosage forms where allowed.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into topical solutions and gels where antimicrobial preservation is required.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in creams and ointments to protect against contamination during storage and use.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in mouthwashes and oral liquids in some contexts where preservation of aqueous systems is required and regulations allow.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into medicated shampoos and wash products to maintain microbiological quality.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in compounded formulations where preservative selection depends on compatibility and regulations.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in food applications in some markets where Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is identified as E218, but Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate use is market- and category-dependent and must follow local rules.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into preserved sauces and specialty products only where permitted.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in niche preservation needs where alternative preservatives are less effective and regulations allow.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in industrial products such as polishes and water-based specialty formulations to prevent microbial spoilage.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is incorporated into waterborne products where long shelf life and repeated consumer exposure require robust preservation.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is valued because Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate provides effective preservation, especially against fungi, when properly solubilized, dosed, and used in compliant preservative systems.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used as a preservative in cosmetics to inhibit microbial growth.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports protection against molds and yeasts in water-based formulations.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps extend shelf life by reducing contamination-related spoilage.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in creams and lotions as part of broad preservative systems.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbiological stability in emulsions with adequate solubilization.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps prevent odor change and phase instability driven by microbial growth.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in facial moisturizers to protect against contamination during consumer use.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports preservation of daily-use products exposed to repeated contact.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain product quality throughout shelf life.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in serums and gel products as a preservative component.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbial control in aqueous gel systems.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps protect clarity and viscosity by limiting microbial spoilage.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in shampoos and conditioners as part of preservative blends.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports protection of surfactant systems against microbial contamination.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain product safety in wet bathroom storage conditions.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in body washes and shower gels to preserve water-based cleansing products.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbial stability during shelf life and in-use period.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps reduce risk of spoilage organisms causing odor and viscosity changes.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in liquid hand soaps to prevent microbial growth in surfactant solutions.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports product integrity in refillable packaging formats.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain acceptable microbial limits during storage and use.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in wet wipes and cleansing wipes as a preservative component in some systems.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports preservation of wipe liquids to prevent microbial proliferation.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps reduce contamination risk in multi-use wipe packs.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in sunscreens as a preservative component in some formulations.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbial control in emulsified sun care products.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain product stability under warm storage conditions.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in makeup products such as liquid foundations and concealers as a preservative.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports protection of pigment dispersions and emulsions.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps prevent microbial spoilage that can alter odor and texture.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in mascaras and liquid eyeliners as part of preservative systems in some designs.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbial control in high-risk eye-area products under controlled formulation.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps improve product safety when combined with appropriate co-preservatives.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in deodorants and body sprays in some formulations as a preservative component.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports protection of aqueous deodorant systems with suitable pH.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain stability and odor control performance.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in perfumes and fragrance bases as a preservative in some alcohol–water blends.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbial protection in low-oil fragrance mists.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain clarity and prevent spoilage in aqueous fragrance products.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in pharmaceutical creams and topical products as a preservative where permitted.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports protection of ointments and gels from microbial contamination.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps maintain stability of topical medicines during shelf life.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in oral liquid pharmaceuticals as a preservative component in some systems where allowed.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports microbial control in syrups and suspensions.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps protect liquid medicines from contamination during repeated dosing.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in ophthalmic and nasal preparations in some regions under strict formulation and regulatory limits.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports preservation of sensitive aqueous dosage forms.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps reduce microbial risk in multi-dose packaging designs.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in food processing in some regions as a preservative for selected products where permitted.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports inhibition of molds and yeasts in suitable food matrices.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps extend shelf life under regulated use conditions.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is used in laboratory microbiology as a preservative or challenge compound in antimicrobial testing.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate supports evaluation of preservative efficacy in standardized tests.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate helps benchmark antimicrobial activity against fungi and bacteria.
DESCRIPTION
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and methanol, and Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is a paraben class preservative with strong antifungal activity and moderate antibacterial activity.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is typically a white crystalline powder with low water solubility, so Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is often dissolved in alcohol, glycols, or warm phases before incorporation.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate preservative efficacy depends on the concentration of the undissociated form and distribution between phases, so formulation pH and solubilization strategy matter.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is often used with propylparaben, ethylparaben, or other preservatives to widen antimicrobial spectrum and improve challenge test performance.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate can interact with certain nonionic surfactants and polymers, and solubility can be reduced in some high-water, low-solvent systems, so compatibility testing is important.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is regulated, and maximum allowed concentrations and permitted product categories vary by region, so compliance checks are required.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate should be used according to supplier specifications, safety documentation, and applicable cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food additive regulations.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and is commonly known as methylparaben.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is typically a white crystalline powder with low odor.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate has limited water solubility and is often dissolved using alcohols or solubilizers in formulations.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is valued for broad antimicrobial activity, with strong performance against fungi and many bacteria.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate preservative effectiveness depends on concentration, pH, and formulation composition.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is often used with other parabens to broaden spectrum and increase robustness.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate is chemically stable over typical cosmetic pH ranges and has good heat stability in many processes.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate can be impacted by adsorption to certain packaging materials, so compatibility testing is used.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate can have reduced efficacy if not properly solubilized or if formulation pH is unfavorable.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate use is regulated, and permitted product categories and maximum levels vary by country.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate labeling requirements depend on local cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food additive rules.
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate safety assessments focus on exposure level, product type, and population group.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C8H8O3
Molecular Weight: 152.15 g/mol
Common Name: Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate (Methylparaben)
Chemical Type: Paraben preservative; aromatic ester
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slight characteristic odor
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohols and glycols; solubility increases with heat
Melting Point: ~125–128°C (typical)
pH Use Range: Most effective in mildly acidic to neutral systems (formulation dependent)
Preservative Activity: Strong antifungal; moderate antibacterial; often used in blends
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; hydrolyzes slowly under strong alkaline conditions
Regulatory Status: Use limits and allowed categories vary by market; compliance required
Storage Temperature: 10–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 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 weighing and powder transfer.
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 large 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 to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing behavior.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up spilled material and avoid dust generation.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues with wet wiping if needed to reduce airborne dust.
Handling Precautions:
Optimize solubilization and phase addition strategy because Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate has low water solubility and can crystallize if not properly incorporated.
Confirm regional regulatory limits and allowed product categories for Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate before formulation and labeling.
Validate preservative efficacy with challenge testing because preservative performance depends strongly on formulation composition, pH, and packaging.
