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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-04 Origin: Site
Sodium methylparaben (sodium methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) is the sodium salt form of methylparaben — one of the most widely used synthetic preservatives in global industry. It belongs to the paraben family and has served as an antimicrobial preservative across food, cosmetics, and industrial sectors for over 50 years.
Unlike its parent compound methylparaben, the sodium salt form is freely soluble in water, making it the preferred choice for aqueous formulations where methylparaben's limited water solubility would be a formulation constraint.
Attribute | Detail |
IUPAC Name | Sodium 4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenolate |
CAS Number | 5026-62-0 |
E Number (Food) | E219 |
INCI Name | Sodium Methylparaben |
Molecular Formula | C₈H₇NaO₃ |
Molecular Weight | 174.13 g/mol |
EINECS | 225-714-1 |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Odor | Odorless or faint characteristic odor |
Sodium methylparaben is the monosodium salt of p-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester. The compound dissociates in aqueous solution, releasing the active methylparaben anion that exerts antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
Property | Value / Description |
Physical Form | White to off-white crystalline powder or fine granules |
Melting Point | >125°C (decomposition) |
Density | ~1.42 g/cm³ at 20°C |
Water Solubility | Freely soluble (≥ 50 g/100 mL at 25°C) |
Solubility in Ethanol | Sparingly soluble |
Solubility in Oils | Practically insoluble in fixed oils |
pH (1% aqueous solution) | 9.5–10.5 (alkaline) |
Assay (on dried basis) | ≥ 99.0% (standard commercial grade) |
Shelf Life | 24–36 months under recommended storage |
Many formulators and buyers ask: which should I use — methylparaben or sodium methylparaben? The answer depends entirely on your formulation's solvent system.
Feature | Methylparaben | Sodium Methylparaben |
CAS Number | 99-76-3 | 5026-62-0 |
Water Solubility | ~0.25 g/100 mL (slightly soluble) | ≥ 50 g/100 mL (freely soluble) |
Oil Solubility | Soluble in oils & organic solvents | Insoluble in fixed oils |
pH in Solution | Near neutral | Alkaline (~9.5–10.5) |
Best For | Oil-based & emulsion formulations | Water-based formulations |
Typical Use Level | 0.1–0.3% | 0.1–0.3% (equivalent active) |
Physical Form | White crystalline powder | White crystalline powder |
Sodium methylparaben is an approved food additive designated as E219 in the European Union and recognized in food regulations across multiple jurisdictions. It functions as a preservative to inhibit microbial spoilage and extend product shelf life.
Common Food Applications
Food Category | Specific Products | Typical Use Level | Function |
Bakery Products | Bread, cakes, pastries, tortillas | 0.05–0.1% | Mold inhibition |
Beverages | Soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, beverage concentrates | 0.03–0.1% | Yeast & bacteria control |
Jams & Jellies | Fruit preserves, marmalades, fruit spreads | 0.05–0.1% | Surface mold prevention |
Sauces & Condiments | Soy sauce, salad dressings, ketchup, mayonnaise | 0.05–0.1% | Shelf-life extension |
Dairy Products | Processed cheese, dairy-based desserts | 0.03–0.08% | Mold & yeast inhibition |
Syrups & Toppings | Pancake syrup, chocolate syrup, fruit toppings | 0.05–0.1% | Fermentation prevention |
Processed Vegetables | Pickled vegetables, canned vegetables | 0.05–0.1% | Anti-spoilage protection |
Seasonings & Spices | Liquid seasonings, seasoning pastes | 0.05–0.1% | Microbial stability |
Why the sodium form for food?
The high water solubility of sodium methylparaben allows it to dissolve completely and uniformly in aqueous food matrices — juices, syrups, brines, and sauces — without requiring pre-dissolution in alcohol or oil. This simplifies processing and ensures homogeneous preservative distribution.
Sodium methylparaben is one of the most extensively used preservatives in the cosmetics and personal care industry. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it functions primarily as a preservative at concentrations up to 0.4% (as the free acid equivalent).
Cosmetic Product Categories Using Sodium Methylparaben
Product Category | Examples | Typical pH Range |
Skin Care | Creams, lotions, serums, toners, facial masks | 4.5–7.0 |
Hair Care | Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, styling gels | 4.0–7.0 |
Bath & Body | Body washes, shower gels, liquid soaps, bath salts | 5.0–8.0 |
Oral Care | Toothpastes, mouthwashes | 5.5–7.5 |
Color Cosmetics | Foundations, mascaras, liquid lipsticks, cream blushes | 5.0–7.5 |
Sun Care | Sunscreens, after-sun lotions | 5.0–7.0 |
Baby Care | Baby wipes, baby lotions, baby washes (subject to restrictions in some markets) | 5.0–6.5 |
Fragrances | Perfumes, colognes, body sprays | 4.5–6.5 |
Why Sodium Methylparaben in Cosmetics?
Broad-Spectrum Protection:
1. Effective against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, and molds that commonly contaminate cosmetic products.
Water Solubility:
2. Dissolves directly into the water phase of formulations — no pre-solubilization step required.
Formulation Compatibility:
3. Odorless, colorless in solution, and does not affect product viscosity, color, or foaming properties.
pH Flexibility:
4. Effective across a broad pH range commonly used in cosmetic formulations (pH 4.0–8.0), unlike some acid-based preservatives that lose activity at higher pH.
Well-Studied Safety Profile:
5.One of the most extensively reviewed cosmetic preservatives, with decades of safety data and regulatory opinions from CIR, SCCS (EU), and FDA.
Textile & Industrial Auxiliary
Beyond food and cosmetics, sodium methylparaben serves as an auxiliary chemical in textile manufacturing and industrial processes:
Application | Function | Benefit |
Textile Dye Stabilization | Prevents microbial degradation in dye baths and finishing solutions | Consistent color quality, reduced batch rejection |
Sizing Agents | Preserves starch-based and synthetic sizing formulations | Extended bath life, reduced waste |
Industrial Water Systems | Antimicrobial additive in recirculating water and cooling systems | Biofilm prevention, system cleanliness |
Adhesives & Glues | Preservative in water-based adhesives | Prevents spoilage during storage and application |
Leather Processing | Anti-microbial in tanning and finishing baths | Prevents mold growth on finished leather |
Paper & Pulp | Slime control in paper mill process water | Improved paper quality, reduced downtime |
In textile operations, sodium methylparaben's role is primarily about process consistency — preventing microbial contamination that can alter dye uptake, degrade sizing agents, or produce off-quality finished goods.
Animal Feed Preservation
Sodium methylparaben is used as a feed preservative to extend the shelf life of compound animal feeds and feed ingredients by inhibiting mold growth and microbial spoilage.
Feed Application | Typical Use Level | Purpose |
Compound Feed | 0.05–0.1% (on feed weight) | Prevent mold during storage |
Feed Premixes | 0.1–0.3% (in premix) | Protect vitamin & nutrient integrity |
Silage Additives | As part of preservative blends | Inhibit undesirable fermentation |
Pet Food | 0.05–0.1% | Shelf-life extension for moist/semi-moist products |
Technical Specifications & Commercial Grades
Sodium methylparaben is commercially available in multiple grades tailored to different end-use requirements.
Grade | Purity (min) | Key Specifications | Typical Applications |
Food Grade / FCC | ≥ 99.0% | Meets FCC, E219, JECFA monographs; heavy metals ≤ 10 ppm | Food & beverage preservation |
Cosmetic Grade | ≥ 99.0% | Meets USP/NF, EP, or BP monographs; low microbial count | Cosmetics & personal care |
Technical / Industrial Grade | ≥ 98.0% | Broader specification tolerance; cost-optimized | Textile, adhesives, industrial water |
Feed Grade | ≥ 98.5% | Compliant with local feed additive regulations | Animal feed preservation |
Parameter | Specification (Food/Cosmetic Grade) | Method |
Assay | 99.0–100.5% (dried basis) | HPLC / Titration |
Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | Visual |
Identification | Positive (IR spectrum match; sodium flame test) | IR / USP |
Clarity & Color of Solution | Clear and colorless (10% aqueous) | Visual / Spectrophotometry |
pH (1% solution) | 9.5–10.5 | pH Meter |
Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% (105°C, 4h) | Gravimetric |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | Atomic Absorption |
Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm | Atomic Absorption |
Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 300 ppm | Turbidimetric |
Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 300 ppm | Turbidimetric |
Related Substances | Per individual monograph | HPLC |
Storage Recommendations
Parameter | Recommendation |
Storage Temperature | 15–25°C (room temperature) |
Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
Container | Sealed original packaging; moisture-resistant |
Light Sensitivity | Protect from direct sunlight and strong UV sources |
Incompatibilities | Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids |
Shelf Life | 24–36 months from date of manufacture when stored as recommended |
Hazard | Precaution |
Inhalation | Avoid dust generation; use local exhaust ventilation in powder handling areas |
Skin Contact | Wear protective gloves; wash thoroughly after handling |
Eye Contact | Wear safety goggles; may cause irritation |
Ingestion | Harmful if swallowed in large quantities (R22); do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas |
Spills | Sweep or vacuum into suitable container; avoid dust dispersal |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, protective gloves (nitrile or PVC recommended), and lab coat or protective clothing. For operations generating airborne dust, use a NIOSH-approved particulate respirator.
Shipping Classification: Sodium methylparaben is generally classified as non-hazardous for transport under ADR, IMDG, and IATA regulations. Always verify against the supplier's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Sodium methylparaben is used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in food products (beverages, baked goods, sauces, jams — E219), cosmetics and personal care products (creams, lotions, shampoos, toothpaste), textile manufacturing (dye stabilization, sizing preservation), and animal feed (mold inhibition). Its high water solubility makes it the preferred paraben preservative for aqueous formulations.
The primary difference is water solubility. Methylparaben (CAS 99-76-3) is sparingly soluble in water (~0.25 g/100 mL), making it ideal for oil-based and emulsion systems. Sodium methylparaben (CAS 5026-62-0) is the sodium salt form and is freely soluble in water (≥50 g/100 mL), making it the preferred choice for aqueous formulations like beverages, water-based cosmetics, and liquid foods.
Yes. Sodium methylparaben (E219) is an approved food additive in the European Union, and methylparaben has GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in the United States. It has been used as a food preservative for over 50 years and has been evaluated by multiple regulatory bodies including EFSA, FDA, and JECFA. As with all food additives, it must be used within legally permitted levels for each food category.
E219 is the European food additive number assigned to sodium methylparaben (sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate). It belongs to the paraben group of preservatives (E200–E219 range).
When stored in sealed original packaging under recommended conditions (cool, dry, 15–25°C, away from direct light), sodium methylparaben typically has a shelf life of 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture. Always verify the specific shelf life on the supplier's CoA.
No. Sodium methylparaben is a synthetic chemical preservative and is not permitted in products certified as organic under major organic standards (USDA Organic, EU Organic, COSMOS, NATRUE). Organic-certified products must use approved natural preservatives.
The typical usage level in cosmetic formulations is 0.1% to 0.3% (as the free acid equivalent). The EU Cosmetics Regulation (Annex V) permits a maximum concentration of 0.4% for a single paraben ester and 0.8% for total paraben ester mixtures.
Store in a cool (15–25°C), dry, well-ventilated area in sealed original packaging. Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong oxidizing agents. Properly stored, the product remains stable for 2–3 years.
No. Sodium methylparaben's antimicrobial activity is pH-dependent. It is most effective in acidic to slightly neutral environments (pH 3.0–6.0). Efficacy declines in highly alkaline conditions (pH > 8.0), where the paraben molecule may hydrolyze.
Sodium methylparaben is not banned in major markets. The EU has restricted its use in certain leave-on cosmetic products designed for the nappy (diaper) area of children under three years of age. Some brands and retailers have voluntarily adopted "paraben-free" policies, but these are commercial decisions, not regulatory bans. Always verify the most current regulations in your target market.
