A paraben (ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) listed as an antimicrobial.
What it is
Isobutylparaben is isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and isobutyl alcohol. It belongs to the parabens, a group of compounds historically used as preservatives. CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of creams, lotions and other products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
Its current regulatory status in the EU is shown in the EU regulation section. The label does not show the concentration used.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
EU regulation
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2014/358
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
13 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- Even Sheen – Cocoa Butter Even Sheen Creme (2025-08-06)
- Collistar – Crema Termale Anticellulite (2025-05-27)
- Cabotine – Fiore di Cabotine (2025-04-23)
- Alessandro Dell'Acqua – Woman in Rose (2025-04-10)
- Marbert – Phyto Cell (2024-11-25)