Propylparaben

Synonyms: Aseptoform P; CoSept P; E216; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester; Nipagin P; Nipasol M; propagin; Propyl Aseptoform; propyl butex; Propyl Chemosept; propylis parahydroxybenzoas; propyl phydroxybenzoate; Propyl Parasept; Solbrol P; Tegosept P; Uniphen P-23.

Description: Propylparaben occurs as a white, crystalline, odorless, and tasteless powder.

Chemical Name: Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Antimicrobial preservative

• Propylparaben is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceutical formulations.

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

• It is one of the most frequently used preservatives in cosmetics.

• 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, the paraben salts, particularly the sodium salt, are frequently used in formulations.

• This may cause the pH of poorly buffered formulations to become more alkaline. Propylparaben (0.02% w/v) together with methylparaben (0.18% w/v) has been used for the preservation of various parenteral pharmaceutical formulations.

• See Methylparaben for further information.

The antimicrobial activity of propylparaben is reduced considerably in the presence of nonionic surfactants as a result of micellization.

Absorption of propylparaben by plastics has been reported, with the amount absorbed dependent upon the type of plastic and the vehicle.

Magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium trisilicate, yellow iron oxide, and ultramarine blue have also been reported to absorb propylparaben, thereby reducing preservative efficacy.

Propylparaben is discolored in the presence of iron and is subject to hydrolysis by weak alkalis and strong acids.

Propylparaben and other parabens are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in cosmetics, food products, and oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. Propylparaben and methylparaben have been used as preservatives in injections and ophthalmic preparations; however, they are now generally regarded as being unsuitable for these types of formulations owing to the irritant potential of the parabens.

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