Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate has antimicrobial characteristics and is used as preservative in pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics. It can be combined with other parabens like propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. The sodium salt provides improved solubility in water compared to standard methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate.
This substance is one of the parabens family. Parabens are esters formed by p-hydroxybenzoic acid
and an alcohol. They are largely used as biocides in
cosmetics and toiletries, medicaments, or food. They
have synergistic power with other biocides. Parabens
can induce allergic contact dermatitis, mainly in
chronic dermatitis and wounded skin.
