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- Country of manufactureChina
INCI: Methylparaben
Methylparaben is a methyl ester of para - hydroxybenzoic acid.
Traditional preservative for white and decorative cosmetics, toothpastes.
Methylparaben actively inhibits the growth of gram - positive bacteria, less actively against gram - negative bacteria and molds. It dissolves in water better than other esters of para - hydroxybenzoic acid, but less effective in antibacterial purposes. It is mainly used in combination with other preservatives: n - hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, benzyl alcohol, etc.
Methylparaben , nipagin, methyl 4 - hydroxybenzoate, E218 are all synonymous names for the chemical compound, methyl ester of p - hydroxybenzoic acid. The substance has the appearance of a white crystalline mass and has specific aromatic characteristics. It dissolves in water better than other esters of the indicated acid. Formula: C8H8O3.
The preparation of this reagent is carried out by carboxylation of sodium phenolate of oxydiphenyl with carbon dioxide using increased pressure. This is followed by the direct separation of the substance itself from 2 - hydroxybenzoic acid + treatment with methyl alcohol . Synthesis is also possible in a more natural way, since nipagin is found in a number of plants, for example, in blueberries.
Methylparaben is a sulfite additive, one of the most common preservatives and antiseptics added to foods, medicines and cosmetics. It effectively preserves the goods from premature spoilage, preventing the multiplication of many microbes, fungi and bacteria. At the same time, the effect on gram - positive bacteria is higher than on gram - negative and mold. In addition, it resists fermentation, decay and other decay processes. Copes with the role of chem. sterilizing additives: as a disinfectant and to effectively stop the maturation of wines.
Where can you attend?
E218 can be included in a large list of mainly canned food, but not only:
- jams, preserves, jellies and other sweets made from fruits, berries and vegetables;
- unsweetened jellies designed to cover canned meat products produced in tin and glass cans;
- dried meat products;
- soups, liquid broths and breakfast cereals;
- confectionery with a high percentage of sugar (for example, chocolate and filled sweets);
- dietary supplements.
Some of the cosmetic products where this preservative may also be present: shampoos, lotions, creams, shower gels, etc.
The E218 additive is approved for use almost all over the world. Most often it is not used separately, but is combined with sodium benzoate , etc. , trans, trans - 2,4 - hexadienoic acid, potassium sorbate , phenoxyethanol, imidazolidine urea and other preservatives.
Is it safe? This compound is an important and frequently used product in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, its use must be approached with great caution.
This substance is excreted from the body together with urine, practically without altering. It is allowed to consume a maximum of 10 mg per 1 kg of weight per day. This dose is absolutely harmless. As proof of safety, scientists cite the fact that nipagin is easily processed by soil bacteria, that is, this additive does not carry either biological or environmental hazards. There is no scientifically proven information about the dangers yet. However, you should not get carried away with products containing methyl 4 - hydroxybenzoate.
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