Methyl Paraben (Plain) BP

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Parabens have been successfully used in cosmetics for more than 80 years. The use of Paraben, alone or in combination with other compounds, is well suited for the preservation of cosmetics.

In most cosmetics, Parabens are used at very low levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3%. The product containing Parabens may be used on an occasional or a consistent basis and their use may extend product life.

Physical form	White or almost white crystalline powder or colourless crystals
Colour	White
Solubility	Very slightly soluble in water, Freely soluble in ethanol (96%) & methanol
Melting Point ⁰C	125⁰C-128⁰C
IR	The infrared absorption spectrum of the sample should be concordant with the spectrum of Methyl parahydroxybenzoate CRS
Appearance of solution	A 10% w/v solution in ethanol (96%) is clear and not more intensely coloured than reference solution BY6
Acidity	Not more than 0.1 ml of 0.1M sodium hydroxide solution is required
Sulphated ash w/w	Not more than 0.1%
Assay by HPLC	Impurity A : NMT 0.5% Unspecified impurities : NMT 0.5% Total impurities : NMT 1.0%
Assay by HPLC (C₆H₈O₃)	98.0%-102.0%
Certified	BP- 2018 specifications

Storage Conditions: To be stored on above ground on clean , dry & dust free godown

Shelf Life: It should meet the requirements for a period of at least 5 years from date of manufacture under appropriate conditions of packaging, storage and transport.

Uses: Propyl Parabens are used in personal care products - body lotions, body scrubs, face masks, face skin cleansers, hair colours, hair conditioners.

Usage in Food: Under FDA regulation, Methylparaben and Propylparaben are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as chemical preservatives in foods, with a use limit of 0.1% for each. They are used in processed vegetables, baked goods, fats and oils, seasonings, sugar substitutes, and frozen dairy products in concentrations up to 0.1%.

Usage in Pharmaceuticals: Parabens were first used in pharmaceutical products in 1924. Since then, they have been incorporated as preservatives in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Combinations of Parabens are more effective as preservatives than individual esters.