The key difference between methyl paraben and propyl paraben is that methyl paraben is less toxic compared to propyl paraben.
Methyl paraben and propyl paraben are important ingredients that are used in manufacturing cosmetic products. However, these ingredients can be somewhat toxic to the skin and can cause some skin irritations. Propylparaben is moderately toxic compared to methylparaben.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Methyl Paraben
3. What is Propyl Paraben
4. Similarities – Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben
5. Methyl Paraben vs Propyl Paraben in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Methyl Paraben vs Propyl Paraben
What is Methyl Paraben?
Methyl paraben or methylparaben is a type of paraben having the chemical formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is an important preservative and is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The preferred IUPAC name of this compound is methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. Its molar mass is 152.15 g/mol, and it occurs as colorless crystals or white crystalline powder.
Moreover, methylparaben can serve as a pheromone for different insects. It is also a component of the queen mandibular pheromone. Moreover, this pheromone is produced in wolves during estrus associated with the behavior of the alpha male wolves. This prevents the other males from mounting females in heat.
Besides, methyl paraben can act as an anti-fungal agent that is often useful in a variety of cosmetics and personal-care products. Apart from that, it is also useful as a food preservative with the E number E218. Some related paraben compounds include ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Due to its anti-fungal activity, we can use methyl paraben as a fungicide for Drosophila food media at 0.1%. This compound is toxic for Drosophila when it occurs in higher concentrations. It can cause an estrogenic effect that mimics estrogen in rats and have anti-androgenic activity. Moreover, it can slow down the growth rate in the larval and pupal stages by 0.2%.
Typically, methylparaben readily gets absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. It can get absorbed through the skin as well. Thereafter, this compound gets hydrolyzed into p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Then it is rapidly excreted in urine and does not accumulate in the body. Therefore, the studies regarding acute toxicity caused by methyl paraben state that methyl paraben is practically nontoxic by oral or parenteral administration in animals.
What is Propyl Paraben?
Propyl paraben is a type of paraben having the chemical formula C10H12O3. The molar mass of this substance is 180.2 g/mol. The density of propyl paraben is 1.06 g/cm3, and its melting point can range from 96 to 99 degrees Celsius. We can name propyl paraben in IUPAC nomenclature as propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. It is the n-propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It occurs naturally in plants and some insects. However, it can be manufactured synthetically to be used in the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry, and food industry. This is because it can act as a preservative for various products.
The propyl paraben compound has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties and can be used in a variety of water-based cosmetics and personal-care products due to this property. Moreover, we can use this substance as a food additive, and it has the E number E216. In addition, propyl paraben is a standardized chemical allergen, and it is important in allergenic testing.
What are the Similarities Between Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben?
- Methyl paraben and propyl paraben are paraben compounds.
- Both are used as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.
- They are important as anti-fungal and antimicrobial agents.
- Both are used in the food industry as preservatives.
What is the Difference Between Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben?
Methyl paraben and propyl paraben are important chemical substances that can be used to manufacture cosmetics and other personal care products. The key difference between methyl paraben and propyl paraben is that methylparaben is less toxic than propylparaben.
Below is a summary of the difference between methyl paraben and propyl paraben in tabular form for side-by-side comparison..
Summary – Methyl Paraben vs Propyl Paraben
Methylparaben or methylparaben is a type of paraben having the chemical formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). Propylparaben is a type of paraben having the chemical formula C10H12O3. The key difference between methyl paraben and propyl paraben is that methylparaben is less toxic than propylparaben.
Reference:
1. “Propylparaben.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Methylparaben” By Rohieb – own work, SVG version of this file (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Propylparaben” By Fvasconcellos 15:33, 24 April 2007 (UTC) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia