Propylparaben
A paraben preservative.
Banned in
- Palau
Where it’s restricted
Named in the law or guidance
| Location | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Palau law text ↗ | In force | January 1, 2020 |
Why it’s regulated
The EU restricts propylparaben under Commission Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014. It caps the sum of the individual concentrations of butylparaben and propylparaben at 0,14 % (as acid) and bars use in leave-on products for the nappy area of children under three; the regulation applies from 16 April 2015.
What the reef research says
Lee et al. 2018 tested four parabens on Daphnia magna, a freshwater crustacean, and reported an LC50 of 21.1 mg/L for propylparaben, with toxicity rising as the alkyl chain got longer. These are lab results for a non-reef species.
- Lee et al. 2018, Toxicities of Four Parabens and Their Mixtures to Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri, Environmental Health and Toxicology 33(4)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014 amending Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (legislation.gov.uk copy)
Products that contain it (13)
Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 30 (earlier formula)Discontinued
Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100 (octocrylene 8% formula)
Kids Sport Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+ (9.5 oz twin pack)
Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100 (octocrylene 8% formula)
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (earlier formula)Discontinued
Kids Tear Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Triple Age Repair Moisturizer SPF 25
SPF 50 Lip Balm
Sport Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 85 (earlier formula)Discontinued
Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 (earlier formula)Discontinued
Sunscreen Lotion SPF 8 (earlier formula)Discontinued
Dark Tanning Oil SPF 4 (earlier formula)Discontinued
See all 13 products that list propylparaben →
Related ingredients: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben
Last reviewed October 14, 2026.