Sodium Methyl Paraben is the water-soluble sodium salt of methylparaben, used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative, helping extend product shelf life.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation or mild stinging | Uncommon | Generally well tolerated at typical use concentrations; mild irritation may occur in sensitive individuals. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Paraben sensitization is documented but uncommon; more likely on damaged or broken skin. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.