Ethylparaben

Synonyms:  Aethylum hydrobenzoicum; CoSept E; E214; ethylis parahydroxybenzoas; ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Ethyl parasept; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester; Nipagin A; Solbrol A; Tegosept E; Uniphen P23.

Description: Ethylparaben occurs as a white, odorless or almost odorless, crystalline powder.

Chemical Name: Ethyl-4-hydroxybenzoate

Antimicrobial Preservative

• Ethylparaben is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics, food products, 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 one of the most frequently used preservatives.

• 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. However, this may cause the pH of poorly buffered formulations to become more alkaline.

Aqueous ethylparaben solutions at pH 3–6 can be sterilized by autoclaving, without decomposition. At pH 3–6, aqueous solutions are stable (less than 10% decomposition) for up to about 4 years at room temperature, while solutions at pH 8 or above are subject to rapid hydrolysis (10% or more after about 60 days at room temperature). Ethylparaben should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Ethylparaben and other parabens are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in cosmetics, food products, and oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. Systemically, no adverse reactions to parabens have been reported, although they have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Parabens, in vivo, have also been reported to exhibit estrogenic responses in fish.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Ethylparaben 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; ethylparaben potassium; ethylparaben sodium; methylparaben; propylparaben.