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Quick answer: Pentylparaben carries the heavier risk profile. Butylparaben is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Pentylparaben is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Butylparaben | Pentylparaben |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | — | European Union |
| Restricted in | European Union | — |
| Category | paraben | paraben |
| Where it hides | lotion, shampoo, makeup | lotion, shampoo, makeup |
Butylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Pentylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Butylparaben: Butylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains unrestricted federally in the US.
Pentylparaben: Pentylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU banned it in 2014; it remains unrestricted federally in the US.
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