Snapshot
- Overview
- A preservative that keeps products from spoiling.
- Category
- Preservative
- Type
- Preservative
Butylparaben
Butylparaben is an alkyl paraben widely used in personal care as a preservative component. It inhibits microbial spoilage and extends product shelf stability across emulsions, cleansers, and makeup when formulated at controlled levels.
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Our take
Is Butylparaben a Good Ingredient?
This is a well-studied preservative that effectively limits microbial growth at low levels, supporting product longevity with generally low irritation rates, which earns it a Good rating; sensitivities can occur in a minority of users.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Keeps products fresher for longer by helping prevent microbial growth, supporting safer daily use by reducing the chance of contamination between openings.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Included in serums, lotions, and body creams to maintain freshness, and also used in shampoos and conditioners to preserve water-rich formulas.
Before you use it
Safety
Overall low irritation potential, though rare allergic reactions are possible. In the EU, propyl- and butylparaben together are limited to a maximum of 0.14% (as acid) and are not allowed in leave-on products for the diaper area of children under three. No comparable concentration limits are set in the U.S. at this time.
Products with Butylparaben
