Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
8 study endpoints found for Ethylparaben. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | >=1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOEL | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=900 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=1200 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| LOAEL | 4000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >=1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | >1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | oral | REACH |
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Ethylparaben based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Source: ESSCA; IVDK; SCCS/1348/10
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Ethylparaben, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: SCCS/1348/10, CIR
Expert Verdict
SCCS grouped ethylparaben with methylparaben in its EDC reassessment and confirmed safety at the existing 0.4% limit. Estrogenic potency is marginally greater than methylparaben due to slightly longer alkyl chain, but remains well below biological significance at permitted concentrations. Aggregate exposure across multiple concurrent products is the key risk consideration.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethylparaben safe in cosmetics?
SCCS grouped ethylparaben with methylparaben in its EDC reassessment and confirmed safety at the existing 0.4% limit. Estrogenic potency is marginally greater than methylparaben due to slightly longer alkyl chain, but remains well below biological significance at permitted concentrations. Aggregate exposure across multiple concurrent products is the key risk consideration. The EU classifies Ethylparaben as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD. 8 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is Ethylparaben allowed in the EU?
Ethylparaben EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.4% as acid in finished product; 0.8% cap for total paraben mixture. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Ethylparaben do in cosmetics?
Ethylparaben functions as: preservative. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 120-47-8.
What is the Margin of Safety for Ethylparaben?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Ethylparaben?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Ethylparaben is >=1000 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 8 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.
Compliance Tools
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Related Ingredients
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