This section focuses on an overview of propylparaben powder as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to propylparaben manufacturers, supply chain issues, propylparaben suppliers, and propylparaben prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality propylparaben in bulk for your industry applications at wholesale prices based on E216 and CAS 94-13-3.
Table of Contents
What is Propylparaben?
Propylparaben is one of the most widely used preservatives in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. It has gained significant attention in various industries due to its antimicrobial properties and stability across a wide range of pH values and temperatures. Propylparaben is the propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₂O₃. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), propylparaben is approved to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care industries. Propylparaben has been used as a food preservative in certain countries, though its application in food has declined due to regulatory restrictions in some regions.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Propylparaben has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like SCCS, EMA, ECHACHEM, NIST, CosIng, WHO, as well as Food and Chemical Toxicology. It has one of the longest use histories of any preservative, and its toxicological profile has been reviewed repeatedly by scientific and regulatory bodies. It exhibits low acute toxicity, is rapidly metabolized to para-hydroxybenzoic acid, and is a comparatively infrequent cause of skin sensitization relative to many alternative preservatives. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel in the United States has concluded that parabens, including propylparaben, are safe in cosmetics at current use levels, and the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has affirmed the safety of propylparaben within the concentration limits noted above. In the food sector, the European Union removed propylparaben from its list of authorized food additives in 2006, whereas it remains generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use in the United States within specified limits. Certain member states have also imposed additional restrictions on paraben use in products intended for very young children.
CAS No.: 94-13-3
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of propylparaben is 94-13-3.
Molecular Formula: C10H12O3
Molecular Mass: 180.20
Appearance: White crystalline powder with a slight characteristic odor
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water but readily dissolves in alcohol, ether, and other organic solvents
pH stability range: 4.5-7.5
E number: E216
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), propylparaben is approved to be used as food additive E216.
Bulk Propylparaben Manufacturers
Propylparaben manufacturing remains robust, with several key manufacturers adapting to changing market dynamics through innovation and sustainability initiatives. Asia-Pacific dominates the production landscape, accounting for over 45% of global manufacturing capacity, followed by Europe (25%) and North America (20%). Bulk propylparaben manufacturers like Sharon Laboratories and Sigma-Aldrich integrate vertically with p-hydroxybenzoic acid production. They offer premium quality standards with 99.5 %+ purity and export propylparaben to all countries worldwide.
Sinofi is a bulk propylparaben manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of propylparaben E216. We supply high-quality propylparaben at bulk prices and serve the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Propylparaben
Most bulk propylparaben manufacturers employ one of two primary synthesis routes:
Esterification Method
Reaction of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with propanol in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by purification steps.
Raw Material Preparation
- p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) is purified to pharmaceutical or food-grade standards.
- n-Propanol is dehydrated to minimize water content.
- Sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid is prepared as the catalyst.
Reaction
- PHBA and excess n-propanol (1:3 molar ratio) are combined in a jacketed reactor.
- Catalyst (0.5-2% by weight) is added.
- The mixture is heated to 120-140°C under reflux conditions.
- Water formed during esterification is continuously removed using a Dean-Stark apparatus or molecular sieves.
- Reaction time typically ranges from 5-8 hours to achieve 95 %+ conversion.
Purification
- The reaction mixture is cooled to 60-70°C.
- Neutralization of the catalyst with sodium bicarbonate solution.
- Excess propanol is recovered via vacuum distillation for recycling.
- The crude propyl paraben is crystallized from an appropriate solvent system (often ethanol/water).
- Multiple recrystallization steps may be performed to achieve the desired purity.
- Crystalline propyl paraben is filtered and dried under vacuum at 50-60°C.
Transesterification Method
Using methylparaben as a starting material in a catalytic process with propanol.
Reaction
- Methylparaben is combined with excess n-propanol.
- Basic catalyst (sodium methoxide or potassium carbonate).
- Heated to 110-130°C under pressure.
- Methanol formed is continuously removed.
Purification
- Similar to the direct esterification method.
- May require additional purification steps to remove catalyst residues.
Propylparaben manufacturing continues to evolve as market demands and regulatory requirements change. While traditional esterification remains the dominant production method, innovations in catalysis, process intensification, and green chemistry are transforming manufacturing approaches.
Bulk Propylparaben Suppliers
The global propylparaben supply is dominated by bulk suppliers like Sharon Laboratories and Sigma-Aldrich. They supply high-quality propylparaben to their clients around the world through established distribution networks.
Sinofi is a bulk propylparaben supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality propylparaben E216. We sell different grades of propylparaben at wholesale prices to food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care manufacturers.
Supply Chain of Propylparaben
The propylparaben supply chain represents a complex global network connecting manufacturers, distributors, formulators, and end-users across multiple industries.
Supply Chain Structure
The propylparaben supply chain consists of five primary segments:
Raw Material Sourcing
The production of propyl paraben begins with the sourcing of key raw materials:
- p-Hydroxybenzoic acid: Primarily derived from benzoic acid through hydroxylation.
- Propanol: Obtained from petrochemical processes or potentially bio-based sources.
- Sulfuric acid: Used as a catalyst in the esterification process.
Major chemical companies in China, India, Germany, and the United States dominate the raw material supply market.
Manufacturing and Processing
Manufacturing propyl paraben involves the esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with propanol in the presence of sulfuric acid. This process occurs in specialized chemical manufacturing facilities that must adhere to strict quality control standards, particularly for pharmaceutical-grade production.
Distribution and Logistics
Once manufactured, propyl paraben moves through several distribution channels:
Primary Distribution
- Chemical distributors purchase bulk quantities directly from manufacturers.
- Large end-users may source directly from manufacturers through contractual agreements.
- Trading companies facilitate cross-border movement, especially from Asia to Western markets.
Secondary Distribution
- Regional distributors break down bulk shipments for smaller customers.
- Specialized chemical distributors serving specific industries (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals).
- Formulation houses that incorporate propylparaben into base formulations.
End-User Distribution
Finished products containing propyl paraben reach consumers through:
B2C Channels
- Retail stores (pharmacies, supermarkets, specialty stores).
- Online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer brands.
- Professional channels (salons, spas, dermatologists).
B2B Channels
- Institutional sales to hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Bulk sales to commercial food service operations.
- Industrial customers for specific applications.
While facing challenges from regulatory pressures, consumer perception issues, and geographic concentration risks, the industry continues to adapt through sustainability initiatives, resilience strategies, and technological innovation. Supply chain participants must balance cost considerations with growing demands for sustainability, transparency, and adaptability to navigate this evolving landscape successfully.
Wholesale and Buy Propylparaben in Bulk
Successfully purchasing propylparaben in bulk requires careful attention to supplier qualifications, quality specifications, regulatory compliance, and logistics planning. Propylparaben buyers should understand key suppliers, market dynamics, and procurement considerations. Establishing strategic supplier partnerships typically yields optimal long-term outcomes in terms of both economics and supply security.
As a bulk propylparaben manufacturer and supplier in China, we supply high-quality products to large manufacturers of food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care products. We also wholesale propylparaben to small customers. Normally, they want to buy propylparaben powder in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale high-quality propylparaben at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Propylparaben Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Propylparaben Prices (purity=98.0%–102.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 6 USD | Express |
| 500g | 22 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 32 USD /Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Global propylparaben prices have experienced notable fluctuations in recent years, driven by shifting supply-demand dynamics and regulatory pressures.
Key Price Drivers
Several factors continue to influence propylparaben pricing:
- Raw Material Costs: The price of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, the primary feedstock for propylparaben production, has shown relative stability in recent months, helping to maintain steady preservative prices.
- Manufacturing Capacity: Major producers in China and India have maintained consistent output levels, ensuring adequate supply to meet global demand. This has prevented significant upward price pressure.
- Regulatory Environment: Ongoing scrutiny of parabens in various jurisdictions has led some manufacturers to seek alternatives, moderating demand growth and helping to keep prices stable.
Furthermore, the above propylparaben price quotations, especially for small orders, do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of propylparaben may exceed the value of the sample. However, the bulk wholesale propylparaben prices will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Propylparaben Uses
Propylparaben serves as a crucial preservative in numerous consumer and industrial products, offering significant benefits for product stability and safety.
- Cosmetics and personal care products (lotions, creams, shampoos)
- Pharmaceutical formulations
- Food preservation
- Industrial applications
Food Industry
Propylparaben has widespread use across various food categories, including:
- Baked goods
- Processed fruits
- Beverages
- Sauces and condiments
Cosmetics and Personal Care Industries
It prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms in:
- Moisturizers and creams
- Makeup products
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Deodorants
- Sunscreens
Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceuticals, propylparaben functions as a preservative in:
- Oral solutions and suspensions
- Topical creams and ointments
- Injectable formulations
- Eye drops
Propylparaben Benefits
The widespread adoption of propyl paraben stems from several distinct advantages.
- Propyl paraben demonstrates exceptional effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, providing reliable preservation at relatively low concentrations.
- Propyl paraben’s stability across various pH levels and temperature ranges. Propyl paraben also exhibits excellent compatibility with other ingredients commonly used in formulations, making it versatile for product development.
- Propyl paraben offers practical advantages in terms of processing. It dissolves readily in formulations and maintains its effectiveness throughout the product’s intended shelf life.
Safety Considerations
Regulatory bodies worldwide have evaluated propyl paraben’s safety profile extensively. The FDA and European Union have established acceptable usage levels, considering it safe when used within prescribed limits.
Regulatory Status
The regulatory status of propyl paraben varies by region:
- United States: The FDA permits propyl paraben in cosmetics with no concentration restrictions, though industry self-regulation typically limits total parabens to less than 0.1%.
- European Union: The European Commission has established a maximum concentration of 0.14% for propyl paraben when used alone and 0.8% for total parabens in cosmetic products.
- Japan: The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare allows propylparaben in cosmetics with specific concentration limitations.
Propylparaben Used in Personal Care Industry
Aloe Vera Whitening and Spot-Removing Cream
Include the following weight percentage components:
- Phase A: Dimethicone, 1%; Glyceryl Stearate, 1%; Cetearyl Alcohol, 5%; Jojoba Oil, 5%; Triglycerides of Caprylic/Capric Acid (GTCC), 5%; Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1%; BHT, 0.06%;
- Phase B: Dipropylene Glycol, 2%; Glycerin, 6%; 1,3-Butylene Glycol, 2%; D-Panthenol, 0.5%; Hesperidin, 0.3%; Hydrolyzed Collagen, 0.03%; Hyaluronic Acid, 0.08%; Disodium Glycyrrhizinate, 0.03%; Xanthan Gum, 0.08%; EDTA-2Na, 0.02%; PEG-100 Stearate, 1%; Azone, 0.08%; Titanium Dioxide, 0.08%;
- Phase C: Allantoin, 0.18%; Nicotinamide, 0.4%; Potassium Methyl Salicylate, 0.4%; Benzophenone-3, 0.08%; Arbutin, 0.2%; Triethanolamine, 0.08%; Methylparaben, 0.08%; Propyl paraben, 0.08%; Deionized Water, to 100%;
- Phase D: Vitamin E, 0.8%;
- Phase E: Peony Extract, 1.8%; Ginseng Extract, 1.8%; Aloe Vera Extract, 1.8%; Seaweed Extract, 1.8%;
- Phase F: Phenoxyethanol, 0.18%; Plant Preservative, 0.6%; Fragrance, 0.02%.
Among them, the plant preservative is a mixture of Perilla Extract, Coptis Extract, Clove Extract, and Licorice Extract; The fragrance is Aloe Vera Fragrance.
In conclusion, propylparaben is a widely used preservative in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries, helping to ensure product safety and longevity while meeting regulatory requirements. As a bulk propylparaben manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of propylparaben at wholesale prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.