This section focuses on an overview of methylparaben as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to methylparaben manufacturers, supply chain issues, methylparaben suppliers, and methylparaben prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality methylparaben in bulk for your industry applications at wholesale prices based on E218 and CAS 99-76-3.
Table of Contents
What is Methylparaben?
Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) is one of the most important preservatives in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Methylparaben consists of a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group and a methyl ester group, which gives it its preservative properties. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes and interfere with cellular processes, thereby preventing bacterial and fungal contamination. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), methylparaben is approved to be used in food. Methylparaben has also been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, ECHACHEM, EUR-LEX, and WHO. These organizations have established that concentrations up to certain thresholds pose minimal risk to human health based on extensive toxicological studies.

CAS No.: 99-76-3
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of methylparaben is 99-76-3.
Molecular Formula: C8H8O3
Molecular Mass: 152.15
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, highly soluble in ethanol and ether
E number: E218
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), methylparaben is approved to be used as food additive E218.
Bulk Methylparaben Manufacturers
The global methylparaben production capacity is dominated by several key players who have established themselves through product quality and extensive distribution networks. Leading methylparaben manufacturers like Ueno Fine Chemicals maintain their positions through continuous innovation and responsive customer service. As the market grows, these companies are expected to play crucial roles in shaping industry standards and practices while addressing environmental and consumer concerns. The success of these methylparaben manufacturers demonstrates the importance of balanced approaches to meeting market demands while maintaining high-quality standards. Their continued investment in research, development, and infrastructure positions them well for future market challenges and opportunities.
Sinofi is a bulk methylparaben manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of methylparaben E218. We supply high-quality methylparaben powder at bulk prices.
Manufacturing Process of Methylparaben
The manufacturing of methyl paraben is a complex process requiring careful control of multiple parameters and strict adherence to quality standards.
Raw Materials
- Para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA)
- Methanol
- Sulfuric acid (catalyst)
- Activated carbon (for purification)
- Deionized water (for washing and crystallization)
Manufacturing Process Steps
Raw Material Preparation
- Testing of incoming raw materials
- Precise weighing and measurement
- Temperature conditioning of reactants
- Filtration of raw materials, if necessary
Esterification Reaction
Reaction conditions
- Temperature: 110-130°C
- Pressure: Slightly above atmospheric
- Duration: 4-6 hours
Process steps
- Charging PHBA to the reactor.
- Adding methanol in excess (molar ratio 1:3).
- Adding sulfuric acid catalyst (0.5-2% by weight).
- Heating to reaction temperature.
- Maintaining agitation throughout
Product Recovery
- Cooling the reaction mixture.
- Filtration of crude product.
- Washing with cold water.
- Collection of crude methyl paraben crystals.
Purification Process
- Dissolution in hot water
- Treatment with activated carbon
- Hot filtration
- Controlled cooling crystallization
- Crystal separation
Crystallization
- Cooling rate: 1-2°C per minute.
- Final temperature: 15-20°C.
- Agitation speed: Moderate to prevent crystal damage.
- Crystal size control.
- Yield optimization.
Product Finishing
- Centrifugation or filtration
- Washing with purified water
- Drying under controlled conditions
- Milling to the desired particle size
- Packaging in suitable containers
Success depends on proper equipment selection, process optimization, and rigorous quality control measures. Understanding and implementing these aspects ensures consistent production of high-quality methylparaben meeting all regulatory requirements.
Bulk Methylparaben Suppliers
The global methylparaben supply landscape is dynamic and competitive, with established manufacturers from multiple regions. While methylparaben suppliers in Japan, India, and China dominate in terms of volume and competitive pricing, European and American suppliers often lead in high-purity grades and specialized applications. Leading methylparaben suppliers like Ueno Fine Chemicals maintain multiple production facilities to ensure a consistent supply and meet growing demand.
Sinofi is a bulk methylparaben supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality methylparaben E218. We supply different grades of methylparaben powder to cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide.
Supply Chain of Methylparaben
The methylparaben supply chain represents a complex network of stakeholders, processes, and relationships that facilitate the production and distribution of this crucial preservative compound.
Supply Chain Structure
Raw Material Suppliers
- Para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA)
- Methanol
- Catalysts and processing chemicals
Key Characteristics
- Limited number of major PHBA manufacturers.
- Price volatility influenced by petrochemical market.
- Regional concentration in Asia, particularly Japan, India, and China.
- Long-term contracts common for stability.
Methylparaben Manufacturers
Integrated Manufacturers
- Control multiple supply chain stages.
- Own raw material production.
- Higher control over quality and costs.
- Examples: Ueno Fine Chemicals, Sharon.
Specialized Producers
- Focus solely on methylparaben production.
- Dependent on external raw material suppliers.
- Often regional or mid-sized players.
Contract Manufacturers
- Produce for other brands.
- Flexible production capabilities.
- Various quality grades available.
Distributors and Intermediaries
Global Distributors
- Maintain worldwide networks.
- Offer multiple grades and packaging options.
- Provide value-added services.
- Handle regulatory compliance.
Regional Distributors
- Focus on specific geographic markets.
- Local market expertise.
- Closer customer relationships.
- Customized service offerings.
Agents and Brokers
- Market connectivity
- Price negotiation
- Supply-demand matching
- Risk management services
End Users
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Largest consumption segment
- Strict quality requirements
- Regular demand patterns
Food and Beverage
- Growing segment
- Specific regulatory compliance
- Quality certification requirements
Pharmaceutical
- High-purity grade requirements
- Regulated supply chains
- Long-term supply agreements
Success in the methylparaben market depends on understanding and effectively managing these relationships while maintaining quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing costs. As the market evolves, supply chain participants must adapt to new technologies, sustainability requirements, and changing consumer preferences while maintaining efficient operations.
Wholesale and Buy Methylparaben in Bulk
Successful wholesale purchasing of methylparaben requires careful attention to quality, regulatory compliance, and supply chain management. Methylparaben buyers should maintain thorough documentation, develop strong supplier relationships, and stay informed about market trends and regulatory changes. For businesses seeking methylparaben suppliers, careful evaluation of factors such as quality certifications, production capacity, technical support, and regional presence is essential for establishing reliable supply partnerships. By following these guidelines, methylparaben buyers can ensure a reliable supply chain for their specific applications.
As a bulk methylparaben manufacturer and supplier in China, we supply high-quality methylparaben powder to large cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturers worldwide. We also wholesale methylparaben to small customers. Normally, they want to buy methylparaben in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale methylparaben at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Methylparaben Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Methylparaben Price (FCC, Purity>=99.0%, on dry base)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 9 USD | Express |
| 500g | 32 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 46 USD /Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 15% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The methylparaben prices are dynamically influenced by multiple factors.
Raw Material Costs
The cost of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, the primary raw material for methylparaben production, significantly impacts final pricing. Recent fluctuations in petrochemical markets have led to increased raw material costs, affecting methylparaben prices.
Production Costs
Manufacturing expenses, including energy costs and labor, contribute approximately 30% to the final price. Regions with lower production costs, particularly in Asia, often offer more competitive pricing compared to Western manufacturers.
Market Demand
Growing demand from the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries has maintained steady pressure on prices. The personal care sector, in particular, drives significant demand, accounting for approximately 60% of global consumption.
Methylparaben buyers should maintain flexibility in their procurement strategies while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. Regular market analysis and supplier relationship management remain key to optimizing methylparaben procurement costs.
Furthermore, the above methylparaben price quotations, especially for small orders, do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of methylparaben may exceed the value of the sample. But the bulk wholesale methylparaben prices will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Methylparaben Uses
Methylparaben (E218) is a widely used preservative in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries:
Cosmetic Industry
- Personal care products (creams, lotions, makeup)
- Hair care products (shampoos, conditioners)
- Deodorants and antiperspirants
- Sunscreens
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Oral medications
- Topical medications
- Injectable solutions
Over-the-counter drugs
Food Industry
- Processed foods
- Beverages
- Baked goods
- Sauces and condiments
Methylparaben Benefits
Technical Benefits
- Extends product shelf life.
- Prevents microbial contamination.
- Maintains product integrity.
- Ensures consumer safety
- Cost-effective preservation
Antimicrobial Activity
- Broad-spectrum effectiveness
- Rapid onset of action
- Sustained preservation
- Synergistic potential
Stability Characteristics
- Heat stable
- pH stable
- Light stable
- Compatible with many ingredients
Established Safety
- Generally Recognized as Safe (FDA GRAS)
- Approved under EC regulations
- Approved preservative
- Established use limits
- Regular safety reviews
Methylparaben Used in Cosmetics
A Collagen Repair Mask – Formulation by Weight
The mask includes a mask carrier and a mask solution.
Mask Solution Ingredients:
Recombinant type III humanized collagen, 0.3 parts; Composite extract nanoemulsion, 8 parts; Hydroxyethylcellulose, 0.1 parts; Carbomer, 0.1 parts; Methylparaben, 0.05 parts; Propylparaben, 0.05 parts; Hexylene glycol, 0.5 parts; Sodium polyaspartate, 3 parts; Sodium hyaluronate, 0.8 parts; Purified water, 85 parts.
The mask carrier is silk.
The composite extract nanoemulsion is prepared by the following steps:
- 2g olive leaf extract, 2g Centella asiatica extract, 5g PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, 10g 1,3-propylene glycol, and 30g caprylic/capric triglyceride are heated in a 50°C water bath, stirred, and mixed for 10-20 minutes to obtain an oil phase;
- 10g glycerol is dissolved in 41g purified water to obtain an aqueous phase, and the aqueous phase is added dropwise to the oil phase at a dropping speed of 8 drops/second. After the dropping is completed, the rotation speed is 10000 r/min for shearing treatment for 3 minutes, and the homogenization is carried out in a high-pressure homogenizer at a pressure of 300MPa for 5 cycles to obtain a composite extract nanoemulsion.
The preparation method of the above mask:
- Weighing recombinant type III humanized collagen, composite extract nanoemulsion, sodium polyaspartate, sodium hyaluronate, adding purified water of 15% of the total mass of the formula, stirring for 25 minutes at a temperature of 80°C and a speed of 40 r/min, cooling to 35°C, and obtaining a first component;
- Weighing hydroxyethyl cellulose, carbomer, methyl paraben, propylparaben, hexylene glycol, and the remaining formula purified water, mixing at a speed of 150 r/min, stirring for 25 minutes, and obtaining a second component;
- Adding the first component to the second component, stirring and mixing at a speed of 150 r/min for 30 minutes, obtaining a mask solution, filling the mask solution into a sterile mask bag, each mask bag containing 25g of the mask solution, and then folding the mask carrier and putting it into the mask bag to obtain a collagen repair mask.
In conclusion, methyl paraben continues to serve as an important preservative in regulated industries, offering proven benefits in product preservation, safety, and stability. As a bulk methylparaben manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of methylparaben at bulk prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.





