Methylparaben
What it is
A short-chain alkyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (CAS 99-76-3). The most widely used paraben preservative in cosmetics.
In this product: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Eye-area leave-on (mascara). Periorbital skin and conjunctival mucosa represent relatively high-permeability surfaces for dermal absorption.
EUROPEAN UNION
Permitted in EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V, entry 12 at maximum 0.4% when used alone, 0.8% combined all parabens. Commission Regulation 1004/2014 specifically addressed propyl/butylparaben (long-chain); methylparaben concentration limits remain unchanged.
UNITED STATES
No binding concentration limit under FDA/MoCRA. CIR concluded safe as used. Brands self-assess under the MoCRA framework.
The evidence
'Concerns largely originated from a 2004 publication that detected parabens in breast tissue. The study did not establish any causal link.' Short-chain parabens including methylparaben are considered well-tolerated by SCCS at permitted EU concentrations.
regulatory · 2025 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Look for 'paraben-free' products using phenoxyethanol or other preservative systems. If switching to paraben-free, note that replacement preservatives have their own evidence profiles.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.