Ethylparaben
Ethylparaben
- Role
- Helps protect the formula from bacteria and mould.
- Catalog formulas
- 5
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
The ethyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, used as a preservative. It usually works alongside methylparaben or other preservatives to cover different groups of microorganisms.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It appears in cream roll-ons, creams and wet wipes, which contain water and cannot be kept microbiologically stable without preservation. It has no effect on sweat or odor.
In the EU, ethylparaben is permitted under Annex V of Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 12) at up to 0.4% calculated as the acid when used alone and up to 0.8% for paraben mixtures. Regulation 358/2014 records the SCCS conclusion that methyl- and ethylparaben are safe at the maximum authorized concentrations.
Like any preservative, it may cause an individual reaction. If a paraben allergy has been confirmed by patch testing, it is simpler to choose paraben-free formulas.
Not the same as Propylparaben or Butylparaben: a stricter EU limit of 0.14% combined applies to those. Nor is it Ethylhexylglycerin, an auxiliary ingredient from a different class with a similar-looking name.
Products containing Ethylparaben
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex V, entry 12 (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben and their salts) Supports: permitted concentration, prohibited parabens
- Regulation (EU) 358/2014: SCCS conclusion on parabens Supports: safety assessment, restrictions
- COSMILE Europe (CosIng data): Ethylparaben Supports: function