Is Ethylparaben Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Ethylparaben is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (parabens).
INCI name Ethylparaben. CAS 120-47-8.
Is Ethylparaben banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | lotion, makeup, sunscreen |
| CAS number | 120-47-8 |
What is Ethylparaben?
Ethylparaben (Ethylparaben) is a paraben preservative.
Why is Ethylparaben used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Ethylparaben dangerous? Documented risks
An endocrine-active paraben; the EU limits its concentration.
Products that may contain Ethylparaben
- Pantene Smooth & Sleek ConditionerPantene
- Curél Dry Skin Therapy Original LotionCurél
- Nivea Soft Moisturizing CrèmeNivea
- Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean ConditionerPantene
- Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine ConditionerGarnier
- Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Body CreamBath & Body Works
- Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne CleanserNeutrogena
- CeraVe Renewing SA CleanserCeraVe
How to avoid Ethylparaben: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Ethylparaben
Is Ethylparaben banned in the EU?
Ethylparaben is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Ethylparaben in US cosmetics?
Yes — Ethylparaben can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Ethylparaben?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Ethylparaben automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Ethylparaben?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Ethylparaben.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Ethylparaben or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related parabens
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.