POTASSIUM PARABEN is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING (Restricted use).
POTASSIUM PARABEN
Safety grade: C
This preservative is permitted in EU cosmetics up to a maximum concentration under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. To be sold legally in the EU or UK, a product must stay within this limit.
This preservative extends the shelf life of cosmetic products by preventing the growth of microorganisms that could spoil the product or potentially harm skin.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted use
Last verified: June 9, 2026
Safer alternatives to POTASSIUM PARABEN
- POTASSIUM SORBATE — Grade B. Broad-spectrum preservative that prevents microbial spoilage like parabens.
- SORBIC ACID — Grade B. Natural preservative with antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi.
- SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE — Grade B. Sodium salt preservative preventing microbial growth in cosmetic products.
- DEHYDROACETIC ACID — Grade B. Synthetic preservative extending shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Other Preservative ingredients
- SODIUM BENZOATE — Grade C
- PHENOXYETHANOL — Grade B**
- BENZYL ALCOHOL — Grade C**
- BENZOIC ACID — Grade C**
- METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE — Grade C
- METHYLPARABEN — Grade C
- SALICYLIC ACID — Grade C**