What Is Propylparaben / Propyl p-Hydroxybenzoate (E216)? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications
Last updated: 2026-11-14 · CAS 94-13-3 · Food Grade
- Quick facts
- Name
- Propylparaben / Propyl p-Hydroxybenzoate (E216)
- CAS number
- 94-13-3
- Grade
- Food Grade
- Certifications
- ISO 9001 · ISO 22000 · HACCP · FAMI-QS · Kosher · Halal · GMP · SGS
- Application areas
- 4
- Documentation
- COA · TDS · SDS
Overview
Propylparaben, also known as Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, is a paraben ester preservative produced by the esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with n-propanol. It is an important member of the paraben family and one of the most widely used preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Propylparaben appears as white crystals or crystalline powder with a slight characteristic odor and a slightly bitter taste. Its molecular formula is C10H12O3, molecular weight is 180.20, CAS number is 94–13–3, EINECS number is 202–307–7, and FEMA number is 2951. It is chemically inert and easily compatible with various compounds, serving as an antimicrobial preservative and flavoring agent. Propylparaben exerts its preservative effect by disrupting microbial cell walls and membranes, inhibiting nutrient absorption and reproduction processes. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against molds, yeasts, and bacteria, with stronger activity than ethylparaben. Compared with traditional preservatives (such as sodium benzoate), it offers lower usage concentration, broad-spectrum activity, safety, economy, and long effective shelf life. Propylparaben has been used as a preservative in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries for over 50 years and is recognized as GRAS by the US FDA.
Appearance: White crystals or crystalline powder, slight characteristic odor, slightly bitter taste.
Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: C10H12O3, molecular weight 180.20.
Applications
Cosmetic Industry Applications
Propylparaben is used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products, being one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics. Main…
Pharmaceutical Industry Applications
Propylparaben is used as a pharmaceutical preservative in the pharmaceutical field. Main Pharmaceutical Applications:
Feed Industry Applications
Propylparaben is used as a preservative in the feed industry. Main Applications:
Blending Applications
Propylparaben can be blended with other parabens for synergistic effects: Propylparaben + Ethylparaben: Blending improves preservative efficacy and…
Specification
| Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|
| Color | White |
| Place appropriate amount of sample in a clean, dry white porcelain plate, observe under natural light | State |
| Crystals or crystalline powder | Same as above |
| Odor | Odorless or slight characteristic odor |
| Olfactory | Physicochemical Specifications (based on GB 8851–1988, BP2000, USP24 standards): Parameter |
| GB 8851–1988 Standard | BP2000 Standard |
| USP24 Standard | Test Method |
| Propylparaben Content (as C10H12O3 on dry basis), % | ≥99.0 |
| 99.0–100.5 | 99.0–100.5 |
| Titration/HPLC | Melting Point, °C |
| 95–98 | 95–98 |
| 95–98 | Melting point apparatus |
| Loss on Drying, % | ≤0.50 |
| ≤0.50 | ≤0.50 |
| Loss on drying method | Residue on Ignition, % |
| ≤0.05 | ≤0.10 |
| ≤0.05 | Ignition method |
| Sulfates (as SO42−), % | ≤0.024 |
| — | — |
| Barium chloride precipitation turbidimetry | Heavy Metals (as Pb), % |
| ≤0.001 | — |
| — | Atomic Absorption Spectrometry/ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As), % | ≤0.0001 |
| — | — |
| Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry | Acidity |
| Passes test | Passes test |
| Passes test | Titration |
| Clarity of Solution | — |
| Clear and transparent | — |
| Visual/Turbidimetry | Organic Volatile Impurities |
| — | — |
| Passes test | Gas Chromatography |
Packaging & Storage
- Packing: 25kg net fiber drum with double PE liner.
- Sample: 100-500g free sample available.
- Storage: Keep in tightly closed packaging, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Protect from light and moisture.
- Shelf Life: 24 months from production date.
Quality & Certifications
Every batch tested by in-house QC lab. COA, TDS, SDS provided with each shipment.
Regulatory & Compliance
EU
Complies with EU regulations and FAMI-QS standards.
USA
Meets FDA and AAFCO requirements.
China
Registered under Chinese MOA regulations.
International
Kosher, Halal, ISO certified. FTA forms available.
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Class: Generally non-hazardous. Refer to SDS for details.
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, sealed. Avoid strong oxidizers.
- Transport: Non-dangerous goods. Standard sea/air freight.
- SDS: Available on request at sales@xadditive.cn.
Frequently asked questions
MOQ?
MOQ is 1kg for trial, 25kg for regular orders. Free samples available.
Shelf life?
24 months from production date when stored properly.
Certifications?
ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, FAMI-QS, Kosher, Halal, COA, SDS, TDS.
How to get quote?
Email sales@xadditive.cn with your requirement. Reply within 30 minutes.
Request a quote & COA
Ask for the current specification sheet, a COA sample and a bulk quotation — reply within 30 minutes on working days.