Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, commercially known as methylparaben and sold under trade names including Nipagin, Maseptol, and Metaben, is a synthetic ester assigned E-number E218 in the EU. It belongs to the paraben family of preservatives and is registered under CAS 99-76-3.

In pharmaceutical formulations, it inhibits microbial growth in aqueous systems at concentrations typically between 0.1% and 0.3%, extending shelf life of oral suspensions and topical creams. In cosmetics, it functions both as a preservative and a UV absorber, protecting formulations from photodegradation while preventing bacterial and fungal contamination.

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate is available in pharmaceutical and food-grade specifications compliant with Ph.Eur., FCC, and REACH regulations. It is classified under HS code 29182930 and supplied as a crystalline powder in standard packaging formats suited to industrial procurement volumes.