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Cosmetic preservatives

Methylparaben

Also known as Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Methyl paraben, Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate

CAS 99-76-3Formula C8H8O3Molar mass 152.15 g/molEC 202-785-7
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 233 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Methylparaben chemical structure, C8H8O3, CAS 99-76-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White needles
Melting point
125.2 °C
Boiling point
270.5 °C
Solubility
In water, 2.50 × 10⁺³ mg/L at 25 °C
HS code
291829
Category
Cosmetic preservatives
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals in an open woven sack in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Methylparaben?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methylparaben is a 4-hydroxybenzoate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol. It is the most frequently used antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. It occurs naturally in several fruits, particularly in blueberries. It has a role as an antifungal agent, a neuroprotective agent, an antimicrobial food preservative and a plant metabolite.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
CAS number
99-76-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
202-785-7
Molecular formula
C8H8O3
UNII
A2I8C7HI9T
MDL number
MFCD00002352
INCI name
METHYLPARABEN
InChIKey
LXCFILQKKLGQFO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H8O3/c1-11-8(10)6-2-4-7(9)5-3-6/h2-5,9H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)O

Synonyms

  • Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
  • Methyl paraben
  • Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
  • Nipagin
  • Tegosept M
  • Moldex
  • Maseptol
  • Methyl parahydroxybenzoate
  • p-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
  • Preserval M
  • Preserval
  • Metaben
  • Methaben
  • Metoxyde
  • Paridol
  • Solbrol
  • Septos
  • Methyl parasept
  • 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester
  • Methyl butex
  • Methyl chemosept
  • p-Methoxycarbonylphenol
  • p-Carbomethoxyphenol
  • Nipagin M
  • Benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester
Show all 39 synonyms
  • Methylben
  • Abiol
  • Solbrol M
  • Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate
  • Aseptoform
  • Methyl p-oxybenzoate
  • 4-(Methoxycarbonyl)phenol
  • p-Hydroxybenzoic methyl ester
  • p-Oxybenzoesauremethylester
  • Methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid
  • Killitol
  • Benzoic acid, p-hydroxy-, methyl ester
  • Methylparaben e218
  • Methyl paraben (e218)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White needlesexp.
Odour
Odorless or has faint characteristic odorexp.
Taste
Slight burning tasteexp.
Melting point
125.2 °Cexp.
Boiling point
270.5 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 2.50 × 10⁺³ mg/L at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
152.15 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
152.0473 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.18calc.
Topological polar surface area
46.53 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
11calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.13calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Methylparaben suppliers

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All 233 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

233 suppliers in 38 countries

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Methylparaben price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled.".

Reported uses (ppm):

Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#2968].

As preservative in foods, beverages and cosmetics.

Consumer uses: Pigment, Laboratory chemicals.

Use classes: Food additives, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name METHYLPARABEN(fragrance, preservative)

Pharmacological actions

  • Preservatives, Pharmaceutical

Roles

  • additive
  • antifungal agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antimicrobial food preservative
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • food additive
  • food component
  • food preservative
  • metabolite
  • neuroprotective agent
  • pharmaceutical
  • physiological role
  • plant metabolite
  • protective agent

Functional uses

  • Biocide
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Preservative

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Preservative

Pharmacology

Methylparaben is a Standardized Chemical Allergen. The physiologic effect of methylparaben is by means of Increased Histamine Release and Cell-mediated Immunity.

How it is made

Produced by the methanol esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid. The materials are heated for distillation in a glass-lined reactor under reflux. The acid is then neutralized with caustic soda and the product is crystallized by cooling. The crystallized product is centrifuged, washed, dried under vacuum, milled and blended, all in corrosion-resistant equipment to avoid metallic contamination.

It is produced by the methanol esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid, with subsequent distillation.

Parabens are prepared by esterifyin

Read more

g PHBA (parahydroxybenzoic acid) with the corresponding alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, and an excess of the specific alcohol. The acid is then neutralized with caustic soda, and the product is crystallized by cooling, centrifuged, washed, dried under vacuum, milled, and blended. (Parabens)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels
  • Food additive

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Methylparaben is traded under.

HS 2918.29Indicative HS code

Carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), their anhydrides, halides…

World exports in 2024
$861M
+0.9% vs 2023, imports $892M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China30.5%
  2. South Korea18.3%
  3. Switzerland * partner reported13.3%
Top importers
  1. United States14.7%
  2. Germany13.3%
  3. Japan10.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Methylparaben is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Methylparaben, based on the data on this page

What is Methylparaben?

Methylparaben is a 4-hydroxybenzoate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol. It is the most frequently used antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. It occurs naturally in several fruits, particularly in blueberries.

What is the CAS number of Methylparaben?

The CAS registry number of Methylparaben is 99-76-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methylparaben?

The molecular formula of Methylparaben is C8H8O3 and its molar mass is 152.15 g/mol.

What is Methylparaben used for?

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled.". Reported uses (ppm): Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#2968]. As preservative in foods, beverages and cosmetics. Consumer uses: Pigment, Laboratory chemicals.

Is Methylparaben hazardous?

Methylparaben carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Methylparaben?

Methylparaben is usually classified under HS code 291829 (Carboxylic acids with phenol function but without other oxygen function, their…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Methylparaben?

CompoundList lists 233 suppliers of Methylparaben in China, United States, India, Germany and 34 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Methylparaben in India?

40 suppliers in India list Methylparaben on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Methylparaben?

Suppliers quote Methylparaben on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Methylparaben

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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