Paraben Content for Cosmetic Products
Parabens are a group of chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products to inhibit microbial growth. Its level of usage in cosmetic product is restricted in various countries. This test determines the paraben content in cosmetic products.
What are parabens?
Parabens are a group of chemicals which are preservatives in cosmetic products. There are a number of commonly known parabens, for example, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, etc. However, in European Commission, some of them and their salts are restricted with maximum allowable level or prohibited to use in cosmetic products.
What are the restriction of parabens in European Commission?
In (EC) No 1223/2009 Cosmetic Regulation, following parabens and their salts are restricted to use in cosmetic product with a maximum usage.
| Annex V/Entry | INCI Names | CAS Number | Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation |
| 12 |
|
99-96-7; |
0.4 % (as acid) for single ester; 0.8 % (as acid) for mixtures of esters |
| 12a |
|
94-26-8; 94-13-3; 35285-69-9; 36457-20-2; 38566-94-8; 84930-16-5 |
0.14 % (as acid) for the sum of the individual concentrations; 0.8 % (as acid) for mixtures of substances mentioned in entry 12 and 12a, where the sum of the individual concentrations of Butyland Propylparaben and their salts does not exceed 0.14 % |
On the other hand, following parabens and their salts are prohibited to use in cosmetic product under Annex II of (EC) No. 1223/2009 Cosmetic Regulation.
| Chemical Name | CAS Number |
| Isopropyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Isopropylparaben) Sodium salt or Salts of Isopropylparaben | 4191-73-5 |
|
Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Isobutylparaben); Sodium salt or Salts of Isobutylparaben |
4247-02-3; 84930-15-4 |
| Phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Phenylparaben) | 17696-62-7 |
| Benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Benzylparaben) | 94-18-8 |
| Pentyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Pentylparaben) | 6521-29-5 |
What is the scope of this test?
It covers,
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Benzylparaben
- Pentylparaben
- Phenylparaben
How is the test conducted?
The test is conducted by in-house method using HPLC-DAD.
How long will the test take?
It takes 10-14 working days for a regular service.
How much sample should be submitted for the test?
Please submit a minimum of 20g or 20mL per product for one test.
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