This section focuses on an overview of ethylparaben as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to ethylparaben manufacturers, supply chain issues, ethylparaben suppliers, and ethylparaben prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality ethylparaben in bulk for your industry applications at wholesale prices based on E214 and CAS 120-47-8.
Table of Contents
What is Ethylparaben?
Ethylparaben, also known as ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, is widely used as a preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to its antimicrobial properties. It effectively inhibits the growth of fungi, bacteria, and yeast, thereby extending the shelf life of products. Ethylparaben is a synthetic compound belonging to the paraben family, which is the ethyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ethylparaben is approved to be used in food. Ethylparaben has also been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, ECHACHEM, EUR-LEX, WHO, and Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

CAS No.: 120-47-8
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of ethylparaben is 120-47-8.
Molecular Formula: C9H10O3
Molecular Mass: 166.17
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Melting Point: 115-118°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol and ether
E number: E214
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ethylparaben is approved to be used as food additive E214.
Bulk Ethylparaben Manufacturers
The global ethylparaben production capacity is dominated by several key manufacturers who supply this essential preservative to various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. Leading ethylparaben manufacturers like Ueno Fine Chemicals have advanced manufacturing facilities with strict quality control and produce various grades of ethylparaben for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Asian manufacturers dominate in terms of volume production, while European and American manufacturers maintain their position in high-quality specialized products. The ethylparaben manufacturing industry continues to evolve with changing market demands and regulatory requirements.
Sinofi is a bulk ethylparaben manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of ethylparaben E214. We supply high-quality ethylparaben powder at bulk prices and serve the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Ethylparaben
Raw Materials
The primary raw materials required for ethylparaben production include:
- 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Ethanol (absolute)
- Sulfuric acid (catalyst)
- Activated carbon (for purification)
- Deionized water (for washing and crystallization)
The production of ethylparaben typically involves the following steps:
Esterification Reaction
The main manufacturing process involves the esterification of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with ethanol in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The reaction is carried out under controlled conditions:
- Temperature: 70-80°C
- Pressure: Atmospheric to slight overpressure
- Reaction time: 4-6 hours
- Molar ratio (acid : alcohol): 1:2.5 to 1:3
Process Steps
Initial Charge
- Charge 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and ethanol into the reaction vessel.
- Add concentrated sulfuric acid catalyst (1-2% by weight).
- Heat the mixture to reaction temperature under agitation.
Reaction
- Maintain temperature at 70-80°C.
- Monitor reaction progress through sample analysis.
- Continue until conversion reaches >98%.
Crystallization
- Cool the reaction mass to 20-25°C.
- Add deionized water slowly under agitation.
- Control cooling rate to ensure uniform crystal size.
Purification
Filtration
- Separate crystals using vacuum filtration.
- Wash with cold deionized water.
Carbon Treatment
- Dissolve crude product in a minimum quantity of hot ethanol.
- Treat with activated carbon.
- Filter hot solution.
Recrystallization
- Cool filtered solution.
- Collect purified crystals.
- Dry under vacuum at 50-60°C.
The successful manufacturing of ethylparaben requires careful control of process parameters, proper equipment selection, and stringent quality control measures. Understanding and optimizing these factors ensures consistent production of high-quality material while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
Bulk Ethylparaben Suppliers
Ethylparaben suppliers play a crucial role in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The global supply is dominated by leading ethylparaben suppliers like Ueno Fine Chemicals with strong quality control systems and extensive distribution networks. While traditional ethylparaben suppliers from Europe and US maintain their position through quality and innovation, emerging manufacturers from China and India are gaining market share through competitive pricing and increased production capacity.
Sinofi is a bulk ethylparaben supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality ethylparaben E214. We supply different grades of ethylparaben powder at wholesale prices.
Supply Chain of Ethylparaben
The ethylparaben supply chain represents a complex network of interconnected entities involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of this widely used preservative.
Supply Chain Structure
Raw Material Suppliers
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Suppliers
- Major chemical manufacturers
- Petrochemical companies
- Specialty chemical producers
Ethanol Suppliers
- Agricultural processors
- Bioethanol producers
Auxiliary Chemical Suppliers
- Sulfuric acid suppliers
- Process chemical providers
- Catalyst manufacturers
Ethylparaben Manufacturers
Large-Scale Producers
- Integrated chemical companies
- Specialized preservative manufacturers
- Multi-product chemical corporations
Medium-Scale Manufacturers
- Regional producers
- Contract manufacturers
- Specialty chemical companies
Distributors and Traders
Global Distributors
- Multinational chemical distributors
- Bulk material handlers
- International trading companies
Regional Distributors
- Territory-specific distributors
- Warehousing facilities
- Local trading companies
End Users
Cosmetic Industry
- Large cosmetic manufacturers
- Personal care companies
- Contract manufacturers
Food Industry
- Food processors
- Beverage manufacturers
- Preservative blend producers
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Drug manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical formulators
- Research facilities
Understanding and managing the ethylparaben supply chain requires a comprehensive approach that considers all layers and components of the network. Success depends on effective integration, risk management, and continuous optimization of all supply chain elements.
Wholesale and Buy Ethylparaben in Bulk
Successful wholesale procurement of ethylparaben requires careful attention to quality standards, regulatory compliance, and supplier selection. Ethylparaben buyers should consider factors such as quality requirements, regulatory compliance, and supply chain reliability when selecting their suppliers. Success in supplier selection depends on balancing quality, reliability, technical support, and commercial terms. For manufacturers and procurement professionals, understanding market dynamics is crucial for effective supply chain management and cost control strategies. The market’s concentration in Asia, particularly China, suggests that diversifying supply sources could provide valuable risk mitigation benefits.
As a bulk ethylparaben manufacturer and supplier in China, we supply high-quality ethylparaben powder to large cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturers worldwide. We also wholesale ethylparaben to small customers. Normally, they want to buy ethylparaben in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale ethylparaben at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Ethylparaben Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Ethylparaben Price (Purity>=99.0%, on dry base)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 32 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 48 USD /Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 15% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The ethylparaben market demonstrates relative maturity and price stability, though regional variations and grade-specific premiums persist. The ethylparaben prices have been moderately stable in recent months, with wholesale prices ranging from $30-50 per kilogram for small orders. Premium pharmaceutical-grade ethylparaben commands higher prices. Growing demand from emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, has helped maintain price stability despite occasional supply chain disruptions. The cosmetics industry remains the largest end-user, accounting for roughly 45% of consumption. While current prices remain stable, ethylparaben buyers should monitor regulatory developments and raw material costs as key indicators of potential future price movements.
Furthermore, the above ethylparaben price quotations, especially for small orders, do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of ethylparaben may exceed the value of the sample. But the bulk wholesale ethylparaben prices will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Ethylparaben Uses
Ethylparaben (E214) is a widely used preservative in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries:
Cosmetics and Personal Care
The most extensive use of ethylparaben is in cosmetic and personal care products, where it serves as:
Preservative in:
- Moisturizers and creams
- Makeup products
- Hair care formulations
- Deodorants
- Shaving products
Typical concentration: 0.1-0.3%
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life
Often used in combination with other parabens for enhanced effectiveness
Food Industry
While less common than in cosmetics, ethylparaben finds application in food preservation:
Food Applications:
- Processed baked goods
- Beverages
- Sauces and spreads
- Confectionery products
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status
Typical concentration: 0.1-0.2%
Subject to regional regulatory limits
Pharmaceutical Applications
In pharmaceutical products, ethylparaben serves critical functions:
Drug Formulations:
- Oral medications
- Topical preparations
- Injectable solutions
- Eye drops
Concentration ranges from 0.01-0.3% depending on the application
Meets various pharmacopeia standards (USP, EP, JP)
Required to follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines
Ethylparaben Benefits
The primary benefits of using ethylparaben include:
Antimicrobial Efficacy
Broad-Spectrum Activity:
- Effective against bacteria.
- Strong antifungal properties.
- Active against yeasts and molds.
- Maintains efficacy in various formulation types.
Performance Characteristics:
- Quick antimicrobial action.
- Long-lasting protection.
- Stable in final products.
- Synergistic with other preservatives.
Formulation Advantages
Technical Benefits:
- High compatibility with other ingredients.
- Stable across a wide pH range (4-8).
- Heat stability during processing.
- Easy to incorporate into formulations.
Economic Benefits:
- Cost-effective preservation.
- Low usage levels are required.
- Readily available.
- Established supply chain.
Global Approvals:
- FDA-approved for specific uses
- EU-approved preservative
- Recognized as safe by major regulatory bodies
- Permitted in Japanese cosmetic regulations
Ethylparaben Used in Cosmetics
A Functional Facial Mask – Formulation by Weight
Ingredients: Vitamin C, 5g; Hyaluronic acid, 2g; Phospholipid, 1g; Squalane, 2g; Urea, 0.5g; Pectinase, 0.1g; Salicylic acid, 0.2g; Glycerin, 10g; Propylene glycol, 5g; Sodium benzoate, 0.1g; Ethylparaben, 0.05g.
In conclusion, ethylparaben remains a valuable preservative across multiple industries, offering reliable antimicrobial protection with a well-established safety profile. Its versatility, effectiveness, and economic benefits continue to make it a preferred choice in many applications, particularly in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. As a bulk ethylparaben manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of ethylparaben at bulk prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.





