Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate
Also known as: E218, Methylparaben, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
EFSA (2004) maintained a group ADI of 0-10 mg/kg bw/day for methyl and ethyl parabens (E214-E219), excluding propyl paraben from the group ADI due to endocrine concerns. FDA permits methylparaben at GMP.
What it is
Methyl paraben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, E218) – ester preservative with antimicrobial activity.
Preservative against molds and yeasts.
Why it's flagged
- weak endocrine (estrogenic) activity
- skin sensitization in cosmetics
- EFSA reduced group of parabens after re-evaluation
What regulators actually say
"Methylparaben (CAS Reg. No. 99-76-3) is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid... GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
"The Panel established a full group ADI of 0-10 mg/kg bw/day for the sum of methyl and ethyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters and their sodium salts."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as antimicrobial agent under 21 CFR 184.1490 (methylparaben).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized E218; group ADI 0-10 mg/kg bw/day for methyl + ethyl paraben.
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