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