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Answer: Propylparaben is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: lotion, shampoo, makeup.
TL;DR: Propylparaben is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (parabens).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Propylparaben. CAS 94-13-3.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | lotion, shampoo, makeup, deodorant |
| CAS number | 94-13-3 |
Propylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Parabens are inexpensive, effective broad-spectrum preservatives.
Propylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains unrestricted federally in the US.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Propylparabenwith 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 paraben-free products and EU-compliant brands. BannedPantry flags restricted parabens on the INCI list.
Propylparaben is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Propylparaben 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 Propylparaben automatically.
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 →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.