Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Butylparaben is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Propylparaben is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Butylparaben | Propylparaben |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union | 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.
Propylparaben 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.
Propylparaben: Propylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains unrestricted federally in the US.
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