Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Regulation

Cosmetic preservative butylparaben regulation proposed in EU

Denmark’s plan would cue up chemical for possible authorization

by Cheryl Hogue
December 20, 2019

Denmark is proposing that butylparaben, a widely used antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and personal care products, be placed on a path toward strict regulation in the European Union.

Drawing shows the chemical structure of butylparaben.

The chemical is one of four parabens commonly used as antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. The EU already restricts the amount of parabens in cosmetics. Manufacturers are searching for alternatives to these substances.

Denmark’s plan could eventually eliminate this use of butylparaben in the EU. Calling the chemical an endocrine disruptor, Denmark’s Dec. 16 submission to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) begins a regulatory process that could end with companies able to use the chemical only if ECHA formally authorizes each specific use.

Some advocacy organizations, such as the Environmental Working Group, want parabens, including butylparaben, eliminated from personal care products and cosmetics.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.