Ingredient index / Personal care
Methylparaben
A paraben-family preservative used to limit microbial growth in cosmetics.
- Label name
- Methylparaben
- Typical function
- Preservative
- Use
- Personal care
- Other names, identifiers and related terms
- Parabeny · Parabens
Where is it commonly found?
Creams, hair products and makeup.
What should you check on the label?
‘Paraben-free’ does not explain how a product is preserved. Consider preservation within the whole formula.
Sources and context
Reference materials cover ingredient names, uses or the context of an ingredient group. They do not assess a specific product. FDA materials describe the US context, while CosIng covers the EU; conditions of use may differ.
A name alone does not establish concentration, finished-product safety or individual tolerance. Read the full label and manufacturer directions. This information is educational.
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