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Propylparaben

What Propylparaben is & what it does

A preservative effective against mold and fungi, often paired with methylparaben for broad coverage. It is used at very low, well-tolerated levels.

What is Propylparaben and what does it do in sunscreen?

Propylparaben is a preservative. It stops mold, yeast, and other fungi from growing in the water-containing parts of a formula, which keeps a sunscreen safe and stable over its shelf life. It is often paired with methylparaben so the two cover a broader range of microbes together. It works at very low levels and does not affect how the product feels or protects.

Is Propylparaben safe?

Yes, at the low levels used in cosmetics. Parabens are among the most studied preservatives, and propylparaben is permitted in cosmetics in the EU and elsewhere within set concentration limits. It has a long track record of use and is well tolerated by most people. Despite a lot of internet worry, regulators continue to allow it within those limits.

Does Propylparaben clog pores?

No. Propylparaben is a preservative used in tiny amounts, not an oil or wax, so it is not a pore-clogging ingredient. It is considered non-comedogenic. If a sunscreen breaks you out, the richer emollients and filters in the formula are far more likely the cause.

What is Propylparaben on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Propylparaben" is the INCI name printed on the label. Chemically it is the propyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, which is where the "paraben" family name comes from. It usually appears low on the list, near the other preservatives. You will often see it sitting right next to methylparaben.

Is Propylparaben a fragrance or a UV filter?

No, it is neither. Propylparaben is purely a preservative: its only job is to keep microbes from growing in the product. It does not add scent and it does not contribute to SPF. People sometimes assume any unfamiliar name is a fragrance or filter, but this one is strictly about shelf stability.

Sunscreens with Propylparaben

We rate 369 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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