Propylparaben

Propylparaben (CAS 94-13-3) is a short-chain alkyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, commercially available under trade names including Nipasol, Paseptol, Propagin, and Paseptol M, and also referenced as FEMA 2951. It belongs to the paraben family of preservatives and carries no assigned E-number in the EU.

In pharmaceutical formulations, propylparaben inhibits microbial growth by disrupting cell membrane function, typically used at concentrations of 0.01–0.6% in topical creams and oral preparations. In personal care products, it acts as a preservative against fungi and gram-positive bacteria, often combined with methylparaben to broaden the antimicrobial spectrum.

Propylparaben is supplied as a white crystalline powder in pharmaceutical and cosmetic grades, compliant with Ph.Eur., USP/NF, and FCC monographs. It is registered under REACH and subject to EU Cosmetics Regulation No. 1223/2009 concentration limits. Standard packaging includes 25 kg fiber drums or polyethylene-lined bags.