Skip to content

Other

Phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Phenylparaben)

CAS 17696-62-7
48

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

A paraben-type preservative structurally related to well-known endocrine-disrupting parabens, triggering significant regulatory caution in the EU despite not being individually banned.

Phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (Phenylparaben) is the phenyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, structurally analogous to methylparaben and propylparaben. While the EU permits certain parabens under Annex VI (max 0.4% for single paraben, 0.8% for mixtures), phenylparaben has raised particular concern due to the additional phenyl ring potentially altering endocrine activity. Research on phenylparaben specifically is limited but the structural alert exists. The broader EU restriction on isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, and related substances signals regulatory caution that applies by analogy.

Known concerns

  • Structural alert for endocrine-disrupting activity similar to restricted parabens
  • Limited specific toxicological data for cosmetic safety assessment
  • Not individually listed in EU Annex VI as permitted — regulatory gray zone

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Related others

48
1,2,4-Triazole
Other
 48
1-(beta-Aminoethyl)amino-4-(beta-hydroxyethyl)oxy-2-nitrobenzene and its salts
Other
 48
1-Hydroxy-4-(p-toluidino)anthraquinone
Other
 48
1-Propanol, 3-[[4-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrophenyl]amino]
Other
 48
2,2'-[[4-[(2-Hydroxyethyl)amino]-3-nitrophenyl]imino]bisethanol (see note 17)
Other
 48
2,3-Dichloropropene
Other
 48
2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol
Other
 48
2-(2-METHOXYETHOXY)-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other

Check your shelf

Find Phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Phenylparaben) in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains Phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Phenylparaben) and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.