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Butylparaben

    Synonyms:  Butylis parahydroxybenzoas; butyl p-hydroxybenzoate; CoSept B; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid butyl ester; Lexgard B; Nipabutyl; Tegosept B; Trisept B; Uniphen P-23; Unisept B.

    Description: Butylparaben occurs as colorless crystals or a white, crystalline, odorless or almost odorless, tasteless powder.

    Chemical Name: Butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate

    Antimicrobial preservative

    • Butylparaben is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations.

    • It may be used either alone or in combination with other paraben esters or with other antimicrobial agents.

    • In cosmetics, it is the fourth most frequently used preservative.

    • As a group, the parabens are effective over a wide pH range and have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, although they are most effective against yeasts and molds.

    • Owing to the poor solubility of the parabens, paraben salts, particularly the sodium salt, are frequently used in formulations.

    • However, this may raise the pH of poorly buffered formulations. 

    The antimicrobial activity of butylparaben is considerably reduced in the presence of nonionic surfactants as a result of micellization. Absorption of butylparaben by plastics has not been reported but appears probable given the behavior of other parabens. Some pigments, e.g. ultramarine blue and yellow iron oxide, absorb butylparaben and thus reduce its preservative properties.

    Butylparaben and other parabens are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in cosmetics and oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. Systemically, no adverse reactions to parabens have been reported, although they have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions generally appearing as contact dematitis. Immediate reactions with urticaria and bronchospasm have occurred rarely. 

    Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Butylparaben may be irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and should be handled in a well-ventilated environment. Eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask or respirator are recommended

    Butylparaben sodium; ethylparaben; methylparaben; propylparaben.