Methyl Paraben · Antioxidant & Preservative for Food, Beverage & Personal Care

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate), commonly referred to as methyl paraben.
• Structure: p-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, belonging to the paraben family (esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid).
• Form: typically a white crystalline powder or small crystals, odourless or almost odourless, with a slightly bitter taste.
• Solubility:
  • Sparingly soluble in water at ambient temperature; solubility improves with heat or cosolvents (e.g. alcohols, propylene glycol),
  • Readily soluble in alcohol, acetone and many organic solvents, making it suitable for premix and concentrate preparation.
• Stability:
  • Good stability in solid form when stored in a cool, dry, well-closed container,
  • Generally stable in acidic to slightly acidic media; sensitive to high pH and strong hydrolysis conditions.
• Functional role:
  • Acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial preservative primarily against yeasts and moulds,
  • Often used in combination with propyl paraben or other parabens for broader-spectrum activity and synergistic preservation systems.
• Regulatory status:
  • Authorised uses and maximum levels differ by region, product category and target consumer (e.g. adults vs. infants),
  • In some categories or markets, use may be restricted or not permitted, or only allowed in specific matrices and at low ppm levels.

Atlas supports technical teams in evaluating methyl paraben’s suitability for each application and in designing multi-component preservation systems where required, while customers confirm local legal status, safety limits and labelling.

Indicative specification points

Detailed specifications are determined per grade and supplier. Typical food, pharma or personal-care grade methyl paraben parameters include:

• Assay: usually around 99.0–100.5% methyl paraben on dried basis (per relevant pharmacopeial or food-grade standards).
• Identification tests: confirm chemical identity and ester structure using IR, melting point or other compendial methods.
• Appearance: white crystalline powder, free from visible foreign matter.
• Melting range: characteristic of high-purity methyl paraben (defined per specification).
• Acidity/alkalinity: within defined limits to ensure consistent quality and performance.
• Related substances & impurities: controlled according to pharmacopeial or internal standards.
• Heavy metals & selected elements: limited to levels compliant with food, pharma or cosmetic regulations, as applicable.
• Residual solvents: monitored and controlled within specified limits, or “not detected” depending on grade and production route.
• Microbiological quality: low counts suitable for food, nutraceutical and personal care applications.
• Packaging & labelling: supplied with batch ID, net weight, manufacturing/expiry dates and storage conditions.

Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documents (GMO status, allergen statements, origin, contaminants, residual solvent declarations, cosmetic/food compliance statements, Halal/Kosher certificates) can be provided depending on the selected grade and target markets.

Food & beverage applications*

• Syrups, concentrates & flavoured drinks* – at low ppm levels, methyl paraben can contribute to yeast and mould control in sugar-rich, acidic products, where allowed.
• Bakery fillings & toppings* – used in cream fillings, glazes and fruit preparations with moderate water activity to help maintain microbiological stability.
• Processed foods & sauces* – occasionally used in certain high-value or sensitive products where tailored preservative systems are required and permitted.

*Food uses depend on local additive legislation (e.g. additive lists, maximum levels, food categories). Many markets restrict or define specific conditions for paraben use in foods.

Nutraceuticals & pharmaceuticals*

• Liquid supplements & syrups* – methyl paraben is frequently used, often together with propyl paraben and other preservatives, to help maintain microbiological quality of oral liquids and syrups.
• Topical products & semi-solids* – creams, gels and ointments may use methyl paraben as part of a preservation system to protect against microbial contamination.

*Pharmaceutical applications are subject to pharmacopeial standards, marketing authorisations and product-specific risk assessments.

Personal care & cosmetics*

• Skin care & body care* – creams, lotions, cleansers and other water-containing formulations may use methyl paraben, often combined with other preservatives, within regulatory concentration limits.
• Hair care & toiletries* – shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and related products sometimes rely on methyl paraben as part of a multi-component preservation system.

*Cosmetic and personal care uses are regulated with strict maximum concentrations, product-type restrictions and sometimes age-related limitations. Manufacturers must comply with applicable cosmetic regulations and any paraben-specific restrictions.

Formulation guidance

• Dosage & regulatory limits:
  • Use levels are generally in the low ppm range (e.g. 0.02–0.2% depending on matrix and legislation),
  • Actual permitted levels and combinations with other parabens vary by jurisdiction and product category; manufacturers must confirm local regulations and safety assessments.
• Dissolution & addition:
  • Due to limited cold-water solubility, methyl paraben is often dissolved in heated water or co-solvents (e.g. ethanol, propylene glycol) before addition,
  • Can be incorporated into flavour, colour or preservative premixes for efficient dosing.
• pH & matrix effects:
  • Preservative efficacy is influenced by pH, water activity, fat content and type of microorganisms,
  • Formulators often use methyl paraben with other preservatives (e.g. propyl paraben, sorbates, benzoates, organic acids) to broaden antimicrobial coverage.
• Sensory & compatibility:
  • At typical use levels, methyl paraben has limited impact on taste or odour, but high overdoses should be avoided,
  • Compatibility with emulsifiers, surfactants, thickeners and packaging materials should be checked in stability trials.
• Consumer & regulatory considerations:
  • Parabens are subject to ongoing regulatory review and consumer attention in some markets,
  • Brands may choose between paraben-containing and paraben-free preservation systems based on positioning, regulatory guidance and market expectations.

Quality & documentation

• Supplied as food, pharma or cosmetic-grade methyl paraben depending on project needs, with specifications covering assay, identity, impurities, residual solvents, heavy metals and microbiology.
• Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a technical data sheet describing key parameters and analytical methods.
• Additional documentation may include GMO and allergen statements, origin information, residual solvent declarations, cosmetic/food compliance statements, toxicological summaries, Halal/Kosher certificates and other regulatory support.
• Production facilities typically operate under recognised ISO, GMP or food safety standards, with further quality and compliance details available upon request.
• Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance, allowed use levels, safety assessments, labelling and health/marketing claims in each destination market and product category.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: typically 25 kg fibre drums or cartons with inner liners to protect against moisture and contamination. Smaller packs can be evaluated for specific sectors.
• Suitable for full-container or mixed-container loads together with antioxidants, preservatives, acidulants, sweeteners, vitamins and other functional ingredients from the Atlas portfolio.
• Store in a cool, dry place, in tightly closed containers, away from heat, direct light and strong oxidising agents to maintain assay and physical quality.
• Typical shelf life is defined on the product specification and COA; customers should validate stability, preservative efficacy and sensory profile in their own formulations and packaging systems.
• Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export, customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara, Türkiye.

To receive a targeted offer, please share your intended applications (food, beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, personal care), formulation type (liquid, semi-solid, solid), pH range, target shelf life, preferred co-preservatives, annual volume, packaging format, documentation/certification requirements (e.g. cosmetic regulations, food additive status, Halal/Kosher, non-GMO, specific contaminant limits) and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable methyl paraben grades and preservation system concepts matched to your projects.