Methylparaben
Methylparaben
- Role
- Helps protect the formula from bacteria and fungi.
- Catalog formulas
- 4
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
The methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid is a broad-spectrum preservative. It is often paired with other parabens or preservatives.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It appears in cream and water-based roll-ons, where microbiological stability cannot be ensured without preservation. It has no effect on sweat or odor.
In the EU, methylparaben is permitted under Annex V of Regulation 1223/2009 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 you already know you react to parabens, it is simpler to choose paraben-free formulas.
It is not the same as Propylparaben or Butylparaben: stricter EU limits apply to those parabens. Nor is it Phenoxyethanol, a preservative from a different class.
Products containing Methylparaben
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.
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V, entry 12: 4-hydroxybenzoic acid esters Supports: function, permitted concentration
- Regulation (EU) 358/2014: SCCS conclusion on parabens Supports: safety assessment, restrictions