Loading…
Quick answer: Butylparaben carries the heavier risk profile. Butylparaben is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Ethylparaben is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Butylparaben | Ethylparaben |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | medium |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union | European Union |
| Category | paraben | paraben |
| Where it hides | lotion, shampoo, makeup | lotion, makeup, sunscreen |
Butylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Ethylparaben (Ethylparaben) is a paraben preservative.
Butylparaben: Butylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains unrestricted federally in the US.
Ethylparaben: An endocrine-active paraben; the EU limits its concentration.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Butylparaben and Ethylparaben (plus 140+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →