preservative INS 216

Propyl paraben E216

antimicrobial — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

CAS: 94-13-3

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Propyl paraben is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~2000 grams of food with propyl paraben (300ppm) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 300 (as paraben) mg/kg

Permitted in limited food categories

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Maximum 0.1% in food

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Permitted preservative

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–10 mg/kg bw/day (for parabens)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not established (under review)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~2000 of grams of food with propyl paraben (300ppm)

~0.3mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized by esterifying p-hydroxybenzoic acid with propanol.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Widely used in cosmetics and personal care products

Medical

Used in oral and topical medications

Industrial

Preservative in pharmaceuticals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propyl paraben (E216)?

Propyl paraben (E216) is a preservative used in food products. It is antimicrobial and synthetic. A paraben preservative used to prevent microbial growth in foods and cosmetics. Part of the paraben family (E214-E219).

What is the ADI for Propyl paraben?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Propyl paraben is 0–10 mg/kg bw/day (for parabens) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Propyl paraben?

Propyl paraben is used in various food categories including Limited food categories. It is used as a preservative in these products.

Is Propyl paraben the same as Propylparaben?

Yes, Propyl paraben is also known as Propylparaben, Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence