On 3 July 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that Belgium had submitted a proposal for harmonised classification and labelling of Propylparaben as an environmental endocrine disruptor.
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (CAS No.94-13-3; EC No.202-307-7; INCI: Propylparaben) is an ingredient listed in Cosing, with the functions: Preservative, Perfuming.
It is regulated by l’Annex V/12 (Preservatives) of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which limits its maximum concentration in finished products to 0.14% (for the sum of the individual concentrations) and to 0.8% (for mixture of authorized parabens). It is also prohibited in leave-on products designed for application on the nappy area of children under three years of age.
It is not currently listed in Annex VI of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
By the end of July, Belgium will submit its proposal for the classification of the substance as:
• ED ENV 1, EUH430 - May cause endocrine disruption in the environment.
Related Ingredient Datasheet
Sources
• ECHA Weekly, ECHA, 3 July 2024
• Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, ECHA, 1st July 2024
