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Quick answer: Pentylparaben carries the heavier risk profile. Pentylparaben is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Propylparaben is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Pentylparaben | Propylparaben |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Restricted |
| 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 |
Pentylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Propylparaben is a paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Pentylparaben: Pentylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting paraben with weak estrogenic activity. The EU banned it in 2014; 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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