Methylparaben
Decode Label flags Methylparaben 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 — suspected endocrine disruptor
Methylparaben mimics oestrogen and can bind to oestrogen receptors, potentially disrupting hormonal function. While current exposure levels from cosmetics are considered low, cumulative exposure from multiple products is a concern. Pregnant women and young children are considered higher-risk groups. Denmark has banned parabens in products for children under 3.
Most relevant to
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Methylparaben 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 | — max 0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (a... | View → |
Identity
- Canonical name
- 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid and its Methyl- and Ethyl-esters, and their salts
- INCI name
- 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID / METHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN /POTASSIUM PARABEN /SODIUM METHYLPARABEN /SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN /ETHYLPARABEN /SODIUM PARABEN / POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN / CALCIUM PARABEN
- CAS number
- 99-96-7
- EC number
- 202-804-9
- E number
- E218
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Methylparaben safe?
The concern is cited to European Commission SCCS Opinion 2021. Why it is flagged: Paraben preservative — suspected endocrine disruptor. 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 Methylparaben in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Methylparaben in any of the 893 published products analysed so far. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole.
Is Methylparaben restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Methylparaben 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 Methylparaben?
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.