On 22 April 2026, ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) announced the publication of the conclusions of the assessment of methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Methylparaben), carried out by France as part of the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP). This could result in the substance being classified as an endocrine disruptor and toxic to reproduction.
Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (CAS No.99-76-3, EC No.202-785-7, INCI: Methylparaben) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the functions: Fragrance, Preservative.
The substance is regulated by Annex V/12 of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 which limits its maximum concentration to 0.4% (as acid) when used alone, with a maximum of 0.8% for paraben mixtures in which it is present.
It is not currently listed actuellement pas listée in Annex VI of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
It was included in CoRAP for several reasons for concern:
• Reproductive toxicity
• Endocrine disruption (human health)
• Endocrine disruption (environment)
• Consumer use
• Exposure to sensitive populations
• High (aggregated) tonnages
• Wide dispersive use
• Sensitisation (skin)
• Skin irritation
• Carcinogenicity
• Mutagenicity
Conclusions
France closed the dossier on 7 April 2026, , with the following conclusions:
• Reproductive toxicity: Concern confirmed
• Endocrine disruption (human health): Concern confirmed
• Endocrine disruption (environment): Concern confirmed
• Mutagenicity: evaluation inconclusive
• Carcinogenicity: evaluation inconclusive
• Sensitisation (skin): Concern removed
• Skin irritation: Concern removed
The regulatory follow-up
ANSES (Evaluating member state competent authority) recommands:
• A CLH classification as for reproductive toxicity, regarding male fertility
• A CLH …
