# METHYLPARABEN (methylparaben) — Global Cosmetic Regulatory & Formulation Monograph

- **Canonical URL**: https://www.inciname.com/en/ingredients/methylparaben
- **Standard INCI**: `METHYLPARABEN`
- **KR MFDS Standard Name**: `메틸파라벤`
- **CAS No.**: `99-76-3`
- **EC / EINECS No.**: `202-785-7`
- **Origin**: `synthetic`
- **Functions**: 향료, 방부제
- **Molecular Formula / MW**: `—` (— g/mol)

## 1. 7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names
| Track | Official Label Nomenclature |
| :--- | :--- |
| KR (MFDS Standard) | 메틸파라벤 |
| KR (Former Names) | 메칠파라벤 |
| EU (CosIng 1223/2009) | METHYLPARABEN |
| US (PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | METHYLPARABEN |
| US (FDA OTC Monograph) | — |
| CN (NMPA IECIC) | 羟苯甲酯 |
| JP (JCIA / MHLW QD) | METHYLPARABEN  |

## 2. Layer 1 — Global 6-Region Statutory Summary
- **KR (MFDS)**: `restricted`
- **EU (1223/2009)**: `restricted`
- **US (FDA/MoCRA)**: `none`
- **CN (NMPA IECIC)**: `allowed` (Entry: `5214`)
- **JP (MHLW)**: `none`
- **ASEAN (ACD)**: `none`

- **KR** [limited]: ≤ 0.8% —  (화장품 사용제한 원료 정보 (식약처 오픈API · 안전기준 [별표2]))
- **EU** [limited]: ≤ 0.4% —  (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex V — via CosIng (EU Commission))

## 3. Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations
- **sccs_opinion** (all): ≤ 0.4% — undefined (undefined)

## 4. Layer 3 — Formulation Quartiles & Compatibility
- **Optimal pH Window**: 4 – 8
- **Max Process Temp**: ≤ 50°C
- **Synergy Pairings**: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL
- **Incompatibilities**: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads

## 5. Academic Monograph
■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature]
  - INCI Name: METHYLPARABEN | CAS No.: 99-76-3 | EC No.: 202-785-7
  - Origin: SYNTHETIC | Functions: , 
  - Physicochemical Profile: Formula      | MW /(Polymer/Complex) | /   | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | CosIng/MFDS 
  - Official Regional Label Names: US [METHYLPARABEN] · EU [METHYLPARABEN] · CN [羟苯甲酯] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-]
■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role]
  - Methylparaben is the ester of methyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It conforms to the formula: Classified under origin 'synthetic', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver ,  performance and structural formulation stability.
■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)]
  - Regional Summary: KR: RESTRICTED | EU: RESTRICTED | US: NONE | CN: ALLOWED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 5214 (羟苯甲酯))
  - [KR / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 0.8%): 
  - [EU / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 0.4%): 
  - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): sccs (sccs_opinion, all): Max 0.4%
■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)]
  - [aqueous_serum] Typical range: 0.1 ~ 1.0% (Median 0.3%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=7, ELEMENTIS 6 · GRANT 1)) — Aqueous serum, toner & hydrogel matrix formulation component
  - [cleanser_rinse] Typical range: 0.1 ~ 0.3% (Median 0.3%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=6, ELEMENTIS 5 · SEPPIC 1)) — Rinse-off cleanser & surfactant system modifier
  - [emulsion_cream] Typical range: 0.25 ~ 1.0% (Median 0.4%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=8, ELEMENTIS 6 · SEPPIC 2)) — Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent
■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)]
  - Addition Phase: Water Phase or Cool-down Phase (< 45°C)
  - Optimal pH Range: pH 4.0 ~ 8.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 50°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM
  - Incompatibility / Caution: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads
  - Synergy Pairings: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL | Reference Trade Names: METHYLPARABEN
■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence]
  - PMID 41685624 (2026, Langmuir): Preservative Kinetics and Influence of Surfactants on Gram-Negative Bacterial Membrane Partitioning
  - PMID 41572664 (2026, Toxicol Ind Health): Assessing systemic absorption and estrogenic potential of methylparaben and propylparaben in consumer use
  - PMID 41413866 (2025, BMC Neurol): Integrating machine learning and experiments to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of methylparaben-induced Al

## 6. Linked PubMed Literature
- [PMID: 41685624] Preservative Kinetics and Influence of Surfactants on Gram-Negative Bacterial Membrane Partitioning — *Langmuir* (2026)
- [PMID: 41572664] Assessing systemic absorption and estrogenic potential of methylparaben and propylparaben in consumer use — *Toxicol Ind Health* (2026)
- [PMID: 41413866] Integrating machine learning and experiments to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of methylparaben-induced Alzheimer's disease: evidence from a Tau hyperphosphorylation cell model — *BMC Neurol* (2025)
- [PMID: 40893792] Protective role of baicalin against methylparaben-induced reproductive toxicity: Insights into hormonal and enzymatic regulation — *Toxicol Rep* (2025)
- [PMID: 41635623] Investigation of the potential mechanism by which methylparaben induces psoriasis: an integrated study using network toxicology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and eight machine learning algorithms — *Toxicol Res (Camb)* (2026)
- [PMID: 42273070] Development, characterization and in vitro evaluation of clobetasol propionate emulgel for topical delivery in dermatological inflammatory disorders — *3 Biotech* (2026)
- [PMID: 42156886] Biomonitoring of parabens in human milk and placenta and estimated daily intake in northern Taiwan — *J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42001662] Levers to decrease exposure to harmful chemicals: the case of Personal Care Products and cosmetics — *Environ Int* (2026)
- [PMID: 41644853] From shelf to stream: occurrence of parabens in personal care products and urban waters of La Plata, Argentina — *Environ Monit Assess* (2026)
- [PMID: 41172944] Worldwide systematic analysis of dietary paraben exposure. A scoping review of sources and food categories — *Food Chem* (2025)
- [PMID: 40997498] From screening to risk assessment: a comparative study on product usage, human burden, and potential neurotoxicity of novel paraben analogues — *Environ Int* (2025)
- [PMID: 40886792] Occurrence, maternal transfer, and risk implications of parabens in humpback dolphins from the South China Sea — *Environ Res* (2025)