The sodium salt of propylparaben, used as a preservative, regulated in Annex V.
What it is
Sodium propylparaben is the sodium salt of propylparaben (propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate), a member of the parabens. CosIng lists it as a preservative. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex V (allowed preservatives) together with propylparaben and butylparaben and their salts, with a label warning for certain leave-on products for children under three.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of creams, lotions and other products that need preservation.
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.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits, conditions and warnings; according to the entry, the limits are expressed as acid and also cover combinations with related parabens.
Functions
- 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
- Maximum concentration
- - 0,14% (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations - 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in entry 12 and 12a, here the sum of the individual concentrations of butyl and propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0,14%
- Conditions and warnings
- For leave-on products designed for children under three years of age: "Do not use on the nappy area"
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2014/1004
- 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