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Answer: Yes — Phenylparaben is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: older cosmetics.
TL;DR: Phenylparaben is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (parabens).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Phenylparaben. CAS 17696-62-7.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | older cosmetics |
| CAS number | 17696-62-7 |
Phenylparaben (Phenylparaben) is a paraben preservative.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Banned in EU cosmetics in 2014 over safety data gaps.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Phenylparabenwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Phenylparaben is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Phenylparaben can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Phenylparaben automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Phenylparaben.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Phenylparaben or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.