Butylparaben
Decode Label flags Butylparaben as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care (endocrine disruptor). It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
The concern
Paraben preservative — strongest endocrine disruption among common parabens
Butylparaben exhibits the strongest oestrogenic activity among the commonly used parabens. Animal studies link it to reduced sperm production and disrupted reproductive development. The EU restricts its use to 0.14% in cosmetics. Avoid in products used by pregnant women, infants, and children.
Most relevant to
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Butylparaben or any of its label synonyms. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole. If a product we score lists it, it will appear here and its score will reflect it.
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Permitted | Annex V 12 a | — max - 0,14% (as acid) for the sum of the ind... | View → |
Hazard classification
Based on SCCS/1514/13: safe if butylparaben+propylparaben combined stay at or below 0.14% (as acid, 0.19% as esters). Also prohibited in leave-on nappy-area products for children under 3.
Identity
- Canonical name
- Butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and its salts
- INCI name
- BUTYLPARABEN/PROPYLPARABEN/SODIUM PROPOYLPARABEN/SODIUM BUTYLPARABEN/POTASSIUM BUTYLPARABEN/POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN
- CAS number
- 94-26-8
- EC number
- 202-318-7
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Butylparaben safe?
EU: Commission Reg. (EU) 1004/2014 — combined with propylparaben, max 0.14% as acid. Why it is flagged: Paraben preservative — strongest endocrine disruption among common parabens. Decode Label treats it as a moderate concern in cosmetics and personal care. It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
How common is Butylparaben in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Butylparaben in any of the 893 published products analysed so far. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole.
Which authorities have classified Butylparaben?
EU — Commission Reg. (EU) 1004/2014 — combined with propylparaben, max 0.14% as acid.
Is Butylparaben restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Butylparaben has 1 permitted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Butylparaben?
People who are pregnant; Anyone using this regularly.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.