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Sodium methylparaben is a water-soluble preservative used in dairy products, processed food, beverages, juices, jellies, and pastries.
As a modified product of paraben, sodium methylparaben has the bacteriostatic performance and safety performance of paraben and overcomes the defect of low water solubility of paraben. Sodium methylparaben has been widely used in meat products, fat products, dairy products, aquatic products, condiments, candy, fruit and vegetable products, beer, fruit wine and fruit and vegetable preservation, and other fields. As a new type of spectroscopic, high-efficiency preservative, sodium methylparaben has the following advantages compared with sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate: good bacteriostatic effect, wide applicable pH range, small toxic side effects, low cost of use, and convenience.
Items | Specifications | Results |
Appearance | White powder | |
Content(%) | 98.5-101.5 | 99.77 |
Water(%) | ≤5.0 | 2.68 |
pH | 9.5-10.5 | 9.62 |
Chloride(Cl-) | ≤0.035% | <0.035% |
Sulfate(SO42-) | ≤0.030% | <0.030% |
Impurity content | P-carboxybenzoic acid ≤4.0% Other single impurities ≤0.5% The sum of other single impurities ≤1.0% | 1.27 0.01 0.01 |
Clarity degree of solution and colour | Pass | Pass |
Lead(Pb)/(mg/kg) | ≤2 | <2 |
Conclusion | The product complies with the enterprise standards. | |
| Product parameters | |
| Cas number: | 5026-62-0 |
| Appearance: | White Powder |
| Purity: | 99~102% |
| Package details: | 20kg/drum |
| Brand: | Fortunachem |
Sodium Methylparaben is the sodium salt of methylparaben. It is a synthetic preservative widely used to prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and mold in various products.
In simpler terms, it's a man-made ingredient that acts as a protectant, extending the shelf life of products by keeping them from spoiling.
Key Chemical Characteristics:
It is derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid.
The "sodium" component makes it highly soluble in water, which is why it's preferred over plain methylparaben for liquid formulations like shampoos, lotions, and syrups.
The primary use of Sodium Methylparaben is as a broad-spectrum preservative. You will find it in a wide array of consumer goods, particularly those that contain water, as these are most vulnerable to microbial growth.
Here is a table of its common uses across different industries:
| Industry | Specific Products | Why It's Used There |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Moisturizers, foundations, shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels, sunscreens, toothpaste. | Prevents bacteria and mold from growing in the moist, nutrient-rich environment of these products, which are often stored in bathrooms. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Liquid medications (cough syrups, suspensions), topical creams and ointments, eye drops. | Ensures sterility and safety for medicinal products, which is critical for patient health. Prevents contamination after the seal is broken. |
| Food & Beverages | Processed meats, baked goods, jams, soft drinks, and other packaged foods (less common than in cosmetics). | Listed as food additive E219, it inhibits yeast and mold, extending the product's shelf life. Its use in food is more restricted and varies by country. |
Sodium Methylparaben works by penetrating the cell walls of microorganisms and interfering with their growth and reproduction. It is particularly effective against molds and yeasts.
It is often used in a "paraben blend" with other parabens (like propylparaben or butylparaben) to create a synergistic effect, allowing for lower concentrations of each while effectively protecting against a wider range of microbes.
This is an important aspect to understand, as parabens have been the subject of public debate.
Official Safety Stance: Major regulatory bodies worldwide, including the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the European Commission's SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), have consistently reviewed the evidence and deem parabens safe for use in cosmetics and drugs at low concentrations (typically up to 0.4% for a single paraben and 0.8% for blends).
The Source of Controversy:
The Counterpoint: The estrogenic effect of parabens is tens of thousands of times weaker than the body's natural estrogen. Regulators have concluded that the exposure from cosmetics is too low to cause any measurable hormonal disruption in humans.
Estrogenic Activity: Some laboratory studies have shown that parabens can weakly mimic the hormone estrogen. This raised theoretical concerns about a potential link to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Presence in Tissue: A 2004 study found traces of parabens in breast cancer tumors. However, this study did not prove that parabens caused the cancer; it only showed their presence. The source of the parabens was unknown, and no causal link has been established by subsequent research.
Allergic Reactions: For a small number of people, Sodium Methylparaben can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, especially if they have broken skin or a pre-existing condition like eczema.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| What it is | A water-soluble, synthetic preservative. |
| Primary Use | To prevent microbial spoilage in cosmetics, drugs, and some foods. |
| Safety Status | Considered safe by global health regulators at approved concentrations. |
| Consumer Choice | Due to consumer demand and ongoing debate, many brands now offer "paraben-free" products using alternative preservative systems. |
In conclusion, Sodium Methylparaben is an effective and widely approved preservative that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and shelf life of many everyday products. While the scientific consensus supports its safety, the controversy has led to a market shift, giving consumers the option to choose paraben-free alternatives if they prefer.




Water soluble preservative, used in dairy products, pickles, beverages, juices, jellies, pastries, etc.
Widely used in medicine, food, textile industry and other fields, such as cosmetics, feed and daily industrial products.

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