Preservatives & Biocides
REACH
Ethylparaben
CAS Number
120-47-8
EC Number
204-399-4
E Number
E214
What is Ethylparaben?
Ethylparaben (CAS 120-47-8), also known as E214 and ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, is a synthetic preservative used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing.
Where is Ethylparaben used?
- Cosmetics and personal care: protects creams, lotions, and shampoos from microbial contamination during consumer use
- Food and beverage: permitted preservative in baked goods, condiments, and flavored products
- Pharmaceuticals: incorporated into oral suspensions, topical preparations, and multi-dose injectable vehicles
- It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in finished formulations.
Good to know: Often used in combination with other parabens to broaden the preservation spectrum. It also functions as a UV stabilizer, protecting active ingredients from photodegradation during storage.
Commercial specifications
- FCC, USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. grades
- Standard drum and bag formats, with bulk quantities for industrial-scale production
Other Names (Synonyms)
ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate|E214|ETHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE|Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate|Tegosept E|Mycocten|Ethyl parasept|4-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester
What are the physical properties of Ethylparaben?
Melting Point 116 °C
Boiling Point 297-298 °C
Density 1.291 g/cm³ @ Press: 750 Torr
Flash Point 297-298°C
Appearance white crystalline powder
Color White
Odor Mild phenolic
Form Crystalline Powder
Water Solubility Slightly soluble in water.
Vapor Pressure 0.00012 hPa (25 °C)
Refractive Index 1.5286 (estimate)
pH 4.5-5.5 (H2O, 20°C) (saturated solution)
Log P 2.470
How is Ethylparaben classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H315 Causes skin irritation
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H401 Toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273 Avoid release to the environment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Ethylparaben?
HS Code 29182930
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 1