Potassium Paraben
AKA “Potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate, potassium p-hydroxybenzoate, UNII-UHZ6Y0A8VR, EINECS 240-830-2, MONOPOTASSIUM P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Potassium paraben
AKA: Potassium 4-hydroxybenzoate, Potassium p-hydroxybenzoate, UNII-UHZ6Y0A8VR, EINECS 240-830-2, MONOPOTASSIUM P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT
Synthetic · Antimicrobial · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Preservative
Synthetic
Not Clean
Keeps the product fresh and effective by preventing bacterial and fungal growth. Works to extend shelf life so your product stays clean and potent.
Formula
C7H5KO3
Mol. Weight
176.21
CAS #
16782-08-4
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Preserves Formula
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
A synthetic preservative developed in the early 20th century as an antimicrobial agent. Created to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in cosmetic formulations without the toxicity of earlier preservatives.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
8.0%
0%11%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 8.0%. 0,4% (as acid) for single ester 0,8% (as acid) for mixtures of esters Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 12. Dermal absorption: 0.1%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 746).
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR