Is Propylparaben Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Propylparaben is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (parabens).
INCI name Propylparaben. CAS 94-13-3.
Is Propylparaben banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | lotion, shampoo, makeup, deodorant |
| CAS number | 94-13-3 |
What is Propylparaben?
Propylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Why is Propylparaben used in personal-care products?
Parabens are inexpensive, effective broad-spectrum preservatives.
Is Propylparaben dangerous? Documented risks
Propylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains unrestricted federally in the US.
Products that may contain Propylparaben
- 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
- CeraVe Renewing SA CleanserCeraVe
- Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body LotionBath & Body Works
How to avoid Propylparaben: safer alternatives
Choose paraben-free products and EU-compliant brands. BannedPantry flags restricted parabens on the INCI list.
Frequently asked questions about Propylparaben
Is Propylparaben banned in the EU?
Propylparaben is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Propylparaben in US cosmetics?
Yes — Propylparaben 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 Propylparaben?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Propylparaben automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Propylparaben?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Propylparaben.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Propylparaben 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 endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.