Butylparaben
Also known as: butyl paraben
Used mainly as a cosmetic and pharmaceutical preservative. It has shown estrogenic activity, raising endocrine-disruption concerns.
What it is
The butyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid; a synthetic antimicrobial preservative.
Cosmetic and pharmaceutical preservative; restricted in food.
Why it's flagged
- Endocrine disruption (estrogenic activity)
What regulators actually say
"Commission Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014 prohibits the use of butylparaben and propylparaben in leave-on cosmetic products designed for application on the nappy area of children under three years of age."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS as direct food additive; FDA continues to evaluate paraben safety in cosmetics.
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as food additive (E216 propylparaben/E218 methylparaben removed). Cosmetic restrictions under Regulation 1223/2009.
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