Ingredient guide ›

Propylparaben

A long-used preservative.

What it does

Stops bacteria and mold from growing, so the product stays fresh longer.

Good to know

Clovi flags parabens because some people prefer to avoid them. EU scientists (SCCS) found it safe up to 0.14% in 2021. They saw some signs of hormone effects, but not enough to call it a hormone disruptor.

Often found in: Body lotions, Hair removal creams, Makeup, Hand creams

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: Max 0.14%, counted together with butylparaben. Not allowed in leave-on products for the diaper area of children under 3. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• SCCS opinion: Propylparaben (2021) (Independent)
• Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption and human exposure (J Appl Toxicol, 2008) (Independent)
• FDA: Parabens in cosmetics (Regulator)