• Effective preservative for water-based and emulsified cosmetics
• Broad-spectrum protection against microbial growth
• Used in combination with other parabens for enhanced efficacy
• Stable across a wide pH and temperature range
• Colorless and odorless — does not affect product appearance

Propyl Paraben (PP) – Broad-Spectrum Preservative for Cosmetic Stability

Propyl Paraben (PP) is one of the most widely used preservatives in the cosmetics industry. It provides effective protection against bacteria, fungi, and yeast, making it essential in creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, and more. It is often used in conjunction with Methyl Paraben to broaden its antimicrobial activity. With a high safety profile at cosmetic concentrations, Propyl Paraben is odorless, colorless, and does not interfere with the performance or texture of formulations. It is also thermally stable and pH-flexible, making it suitable for both cold-processed and heated emulsions.

INCI Name: Propyl Paraben

CAS Number: 94-13-3

Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in water

Add Phase: Cool-down or dissolve in alcohol/glycol

pH Stability: 4.0 – 8.0

Processing Temperature: Stable up to 85°C

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Formula: C10H12O3

Molecular Weight: 180.2 g/mol

Flash Point: 146°C

Density: ~1.06 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Ester

Functional Groups: Aromatic ester

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, serums

• Usage Rate: 0.05% – 0.3%
• Phase: Add during cool-down or dissolve into glycol/alcohol first
• Ideal For: Creams, Serums, Cleansers, Lotions, Shampoos

🛡️ For optimal preservation, combine Propyl Paraben with Methyl Paraben or Phenoxyethanol. Avoid adding at high temperatures; best added below 60°C or after dissolving in alcohol/glycol.

✔️ Safe for all skin types under 0.3%

✔️ Non-irritating and hypoallergenic

✔️ Not recommended for natural-label products due to synthetic origin

1. Lightweight Moisturizing Cream

Use 0.2% Propyl Paraben with Sodium Methyl Paraben for full-spectrum protection.

2. Brightening Serum

Add 0.1–0.2% in water-based serums containing Vitamin C or Niacinamide.

3. Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Combine 0.2% with other preservatives in creamy emulsions for long-lasting shelf life.

4. Gentle Facial Cleanser

Preserve with 0.3% Propyl Paraben for a stable, irritation-free product.

5. Body Lotion with Active Ingredients

Use 0.25% in aloe-based lotions to prevent microbial contamination.

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Preserves aqueous serums with high actives.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Widely used in emulsions for safe preservation.



Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Safe for facial waters and botanical blends.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Used in both clay and gel mask formulas.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Keeps formulas stable and bacteria-free.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Often used in hair spa creams and leave-ons.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Applicable in water-based deodorant gels.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Use with caution near the eyes at low %.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Helps preserve water-based cleansing systems.



Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Limited use in traditional cold-process soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Compatible with leave-in and rinse-off systems.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in oil-only formulas.



Body Butters
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Only needed if water is present.



Ointments
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Avoid in oil-rich or anhydrous systems.

Q1: Is Propyl Paraben safe?

A1: Yes, it is approved by global cosmetic regulations and safe when used at concentrations below 0.3%.

Q2: Will it change the color or smell of my product?

A2: No — it is odorless, colorless, and non-reactive in most formulas.

Q3: Can I use this in natural products?

A3: It is synthetic, so avoid if marketing as "100% natural".

Q4: What’s the difference between Propyl Paraben and Sodium Propyl Paraben?

A4: Sodium Propyl Paraben is water-soluble, while Propyl Paraben is oil/alcohol soluble.

Q5: Is it banned in any countries?

A5: No — it is permitted worldwide in regulated amounts, including by the EU and FDA.