Propylparaben

Propylparaben suppliers and sourcing guide

Propylparaben is the propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, made by esterifying the acid with n-propanol and purifying it by distillation and crystallization. It is a white crystalline powder that is less soluble in water than methylparaben and more soluble in oils. Brands buy it as a powder, often in combination with methylparaben, for use as a preservative in cosmetics, topical products and some foods.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Acids, preservatives and leavening
Also known as: Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate · Propyl paraben · Propyl parahydroxybenzoate · CAS 94-13-3
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of propylparaben

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Powder (NF/FCC/cosmetic)
White crystalline powder sold against USP/NF, Food Chemicals Codex or cosmetic specifications; the same material often carries several grades.
Sodium salt
Sodium propylparaben, a more water-soluble salt form for cold-process or water-phase use, which raises the pH of the formula.
Paraben blends
Premixed combinations of methyl-, propyl- and other parabens, sometimes dissolved in phenoxyethanol or glycols, sold as liquid preservative systems.
Micronized
Finer powder grades that dissolve faster in water or glycol phases.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (titration or HPLC): Propylparaben content on a dried basis, usually 98 to 102 percent per USP/NF or FCC.
Related substances (HPLC): p-Hydroxybenzoic acid and other parabens, reported against the compendial limits.
Identity and melting range: IR spectrum plus melting range, which separates one paraben from another.
Acidity: A titration check for free acid, part of the compendial monographs.
Residue on ignition (sulfated ash): Inorganic residue left after burning, a check on catalyst or salt carryover.
Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store propylparaben in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong alkalis. The powder is stable when kept dry, but alkaline conditions hydrolyze the ester. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, often with retest dates for assay and appearance.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the grade (NF, FCC or cosmetic) and assay for each lot, and note if you switched between straight propylparaben and a blend, since blends change the preservative content per kilogram. Keep the supplier's documents on residual n-propanol if your customers ask for them.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

21 CFR 184.1670 affirms propylparaben as GRAS for use in food as an antimicrobial agent.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
The same section states that current good manufacturing practice results in a maximum level of 0.1 percent propylparaben in food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
FDA's parabens page names methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben as the parabens most commonly used in cosmetics.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists propylparaben with the non-medicinal purposes "fragrance ingredient" and "preservative antimicrobial".
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Propylparaben suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking propylparaben suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of propylparaben can brands buy?

Common forms include powder (NF/FCC/cosmetic), sodium salt, paraben blends and micronized. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for propylparaben include?

Expect assay (titration or HPLC), related substances (HPLC), identity and melting range, acidity, residue on ignition (sulfated ash) and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should propylparaben be stored?

What is the regulatory status of propylparaben?

21 CFR 184.1670 affirms propylparaben as GRAS for use in food as an antimicrobial agent. The same section states that current good manufacturing practice results in a maximum level of 0.1 percent propylparaben in food. FDA's parabens page names methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben as the parabens most commonly used in cosmetics. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists propylparaben with the non-medicinal purposes "fragrance ingredient" and "preservative antimicrobial".

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