High concernPreservative
Isobutylparaben
ParabenEndocrine disruptorReproductive toxicant
What it is
The isobutyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, a branched-chain paraben with similar lipophilicity to butylparaben.
What it does
Preservative used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics to extend shelf life.
Why it’s a concern
The EU banned isobutylparaben in all cosmetic products in 2014 due to insufficient safety data combined with structural similarity to known endocrine-active parabens. The SCCS concluded that the risk could not be adequately assessed at any concentration. Isobutylparaben is still permitted in some non-EU markets including parts of North America.
Also known as
isobutyl parabenisobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
CAS numbers
4247-02-3
Commonly found in
lotionmakeup
Safer alternatives
- phenoxyethanol
- sodium benzoate
- glyceryl caprylate
Related chemical families
Sources
- EU Regulation 358/2014
- SCCS Opinion SCCS/1514/13