Methyl+paraben


 * Methylparaben **, also ** methyl paraben ** , one of the [|parabens] , is a preservative with the chemical formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is the [|methyl] [|ester] of [|//p//-hydroxybenzoic acid].



Natural occurrences
Methylparaben is found in several fruits, in particular [|blueberries], [|[1]] [|[2]] [|[3]] where it acts as an antimicrobial agent.

Uses
Methylparaben is an anti-fungal agent often used in a variety of cosmetics and personal-care products. It is also used as a food preservative and has the [|E number] E218. Methylparaben is commonly used as a fungicide in // [|Drosophila] // food media. Usage of methylparaben is [|toxic] at higher concentrations, has a [|estrogenic] effect and slow //Drosophila// growth rate in the larval and pupal stages at a lower concentrations. [|[4]]

Safety
Methylparaben is produced naturally and found in several fruits, primarily blueberries, along with other parabens. There is no evidence that methylparaben or propylparabens are harmful at concentrations typically used in body care or cosmetics. [|[5]] Methylparaben and [|propylparaben] are considered [|generally recognized as safe] (GRAS) for food and cosmetic antibacterial preservation. [|[6]] Methylparaben is readily metabolized by common soil bacteria, making it completely biodegradable. Methylparaben is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or through the skin. [|[7]] It is [|hydrolyzed] to [|//p//-hydroxybenzoic acid] and rapidly excreted in urine without accumulating in the body. [|[7]] Acute toxicity studies have shown that methylparaben is practically non-toxic by both oral and [|parenteral] administration in animals. [|[7]] In a population with normal skin, methylparaben is practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing; however, allergic reactions to ingested parabens have been reported. [|[7]] Methylparaben is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic or embryotoxic; in addition, it is negative in the uterotrophic assay. Studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin may react with [|UVB], leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.


 * ~ Properties ||
 * [|Molecular formula] || C8H8O3 ||
 * [|Molar mass] || 152.15 g mol−1 ||