PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

METHYLPARABEN

Methylparaben

FragrancePreservativereviewed

A paraben preservative permitted in the EU.

What it is

Methylparaben is the methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. It protects products against moulds and bacteria and is listed in EU Annex V with maximum concentrations (0.4% as acid for a single ester, 0.8% for mixtures of esters).

Where it is used

Found in creams, lotions, cleansers and make-up, often combined with other parabens or preservatives.

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.

Parabens differ: methylparaben and ethylparaben have the most extensive safety data, while some other parabens are prohibited in the EU.

Functions

Fragrance
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
Preservative
Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 124-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its Methyl- and Ethyl-esters, and their salts
Maximum concentration
0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of esters
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2014/1004

Safety Gate alerts (EU)

1 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.

See all alerts →

Scientific opinions (SCCS)

Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.

Products with this ingredient (804)

Check a full ingredient list