What is E218?

Complete guide to understanding E218 (Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate/Methylparaben) in your food

The Quick Answer

E218 is methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), the smallest and most commonly-used paraben preservative, used to inhibit growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and cosmetics—with the LOWEST endocrine disruption concerns among all parabens and the most widespread use due to cost-effectiveness and favorable regulatory status.

It’s the methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, functioning as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with minimal water solubility but excellent effectiveness at low concentrations in diverse food and cosmetic formulations.

Most people consuming processed foods, baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and using cosmetics regularly encounter E218—making it the MOST COMMONLY USED paraben globally—though it remains largely invisible to consumers, functioning as a safe and effective preservative with lower endocrine disruption concerns compared to larger parabens (E214, E216) and with maintained regulatory approval at higher concentration limits (0.4% maximum).

📌 Quick Facts

Category: Synthetic Preservative, Paraben Family, Antimicrobial Agent
Source: Fully synthetic—methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (though traces naturally in some plants)
Found in: Baked goods, beverages, dairy products, sauces, confectionery, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
Safety: FDA GRAS approved; EFSA approved (0.4% maximum); JECFA approved; ADI 10 mg/kg bw
Natural or Synthetic: Fully synthetic (though natural occurrence in trace amounts documented)
Vegan/Vegetarian: Yes
Key Advantage: MOST COMMONLY USED paraben; LOWEST cost; MAINTAINED 0.4% regulatory limit (NOT reduced like E216); LOWEST endocrine concerns among parabens; most widely accepted
Chemical Formula: C₈H₈O₃; methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid

The Critical Context—E218 Is the SAFEST and Most Common Paraben

E218 methylparaben is the SMALLEST paraben and exhibits the LOWEST endocrine disruption potential among all parabens, resulting in MAINTAINED maximum concentration limits (0.4%) that were NOT REDUCED like E216/E217, regulatory distinction reflecting its superior safety profile relative to larger parabens. Unlike propylparaben (E216) which faced 2010 EFSA regulatory tightening to 0.19%, methylparaben maintained its original 0.4% maximum concentration limit, explicitly indicating lower endocrine-disruption concerns in regulatory assessment.

What Exactly Is It?

E218 is methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), the methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with molecular formula C₈H₈O₃ and molecular weight of 152.15 g/mol.

Methylparaben is the smallest member of the paraben family, consisting of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with a methyl group (-CH₃) as the alkyl ester. Like all parabens, E218 is created through esterification of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol.

Physically, E218 appears as a white crystalline powder. It has limited water solubility (approximately 0.25 g/100 mL at 20°C) but is readily soluble in alcohols, oils, and organic solvents. This solubility profile means E218 works well in oil-based and emulsified systems, and it has good distribution throughout diverse food formulations despite limited water solubility. The compound is heat-stable and maintains antimicrobial activity across wide pH ranges (pH 3-9).

Chemically, E218 functions like all parabens through a similar mechanism but with SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity compared to larger parabens. The antimicrobial spectrum increases with paraben chain length—methylparaben (E218) is the LEAST antimicrobially potent among parabens but still provides effective preservation at relatively low concentrations (0.1-0.3%).

Where You’ll Find It

E218 appears in an enormous range of foods and cosmetics—the MOST WIDELY USED paraben globally:

• Baked goods (bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits)
• Beverages (soft drinks, juices, coffee drinks)
• Dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk products)
• Sauces and condiments
• Jams and fruit preserves
• Confectionery (candies, cakes)
• Seafood products
• Processed meats
• Food supplements
• Cosmetics (creams, lotions, shampoos)
• Deodorants and antiperspirants
• Toothpaste
• Pharmaceutical products
• Personal care products
• Wet wipes and tissues
• Industrial applications (adhesives, textiles)

E218 is by FAR the most commonly used paraben due to cost-effectiveness, broad effectiveness at low concentrations, and favorable regulatory status. It is the “default” paraben for most industries before considering alternatives.

💡 Pro Tip: Check ingredient labels for “E218,” “methylparaben,” “methyl p-hydroxybenzoate,” or simply “paraben.” E218 is so widespread that it’s impossible to avoid entirely without completely eliminating processed foods and cosmetics. Unlike E216/E217 (which face aggressive phase-out), E218 remains widely used and commercially standard. Its maintained 0.4% regulatory limit (not reduced) reflects recognition of lower endocrine concerns compared to larger parabens.

Why Do Food Companies Use It?

E218 performs one critical function with multiple compelling commercial advantages:

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation at minimal cost: E218 methylparaben inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacteria growth effectively at low concentrations (0.1-0.3%). The compound is inexpensive, stable over wide pH ranges, biodegradable, and has regulatory acceptance across most major markets. These advantages make E218 the industry-standard default paraben preservative.

Why E218 instead of larger parabens or alternatives: E218 has the optimal balance of cost (lowest), effectiveness (adequate at low concentrations), regulatory flexibility (0.4% allowed), and endocrine-safety concerns (lowest among parabens). While larger parabens (E216) offer slightly higher antimicrobial potency, this advantage is offset by higher costs, reduced regulatory limits, and stronger endocrine concerns. E218 is the rational choice for cost-conscious manufacturers.

Is It Safe?

E218 methylparaben is officially approved with the MOST FAVORABLE safety profile among all parabens, maintained at higher concentration limits (0.4%) reflecting regulatory recognition of LOWER endocrine disruption concerns.

Regulatory Status—E218 Has HIGHEST Approval Confidence Among Parabens:

• FDA (USA): Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS); maximum 0.1% in foods
• EFSA (Europe): Approved at 0.4% maximum concentration (MAINTAINED—NOT REDUCED); endocrine concerns noted but not deemed sufficient for restriction
• JECFA (WHO/FAO): Approved; ADI 10 mg/kg body weight
• EWG (Environmental Working Group): Rates as “low to moderate hazard”—lower than other parabens

✅ MOST FAVORABLE SAFETY AMONG PARABENS—MAINTAINED REGULATORY LIMITS: E218 methylparaben has the most favorable regulatory assessment among all parabens. Unlike propylparaben (E216/E217) which faced 2010 EFSA concentration reduction to 0.19%, methylparaben maintained its original 0.4% maximum limit, reflecting regulatory determination that endocrine concerns are lower. A 2008 study found NO competitive binding of methylparaben to human estrogen and androgen receptors—contrasting with documented binding for larger parabens (butyl-, propyl-). This scientific evidence supports methylparaben’s favorable regulatory status relative to other parabens.

⚠️ PARABEN FAMILY CONCERNS APPLY—BUT TO LESSER DEGREE: While E218 has the most favorable regulatory assessment among parabens, it shares some (lower-degree) concerns with the paraben family:

• Estrogenic activity lower than larger parabens: E218 shows SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER estrogenic activity compared to ethylparaben (E214) or propylparaben (E216); estrogenicity increases with chain length
• Anti-androgenic activity very weak: Some research documents weak anti-androgenic properties, but MUCH weaker than larger parabens
• 2008 receptor binding study key: Study finding NO competitive binding of methylparaben to human estrogen/androgen receptors—key distinction from larger parabens showing documented binding
• Regulatory limit NOT reduced: Unlike E216 (reduced to 0.19%), methylparaben maintained 0.4% limit, reflecting regulatory confidence in safety
• RIVM 2017 conclusion: “There is currently no concern for methylparaben” despite noting “currently derived NOAEL may be too high because of missing data”
• Metabolism and excretion: Methylparaben is rapidly metabolized and excreted without tissue accumulation
• Allergy/Sensitivity: Paraben allergy 0.6-0.8%; however, true allergies are extremely rare; mostly contact dermatitis in sensitized cosmetic users

Documented findings for E218 specifically:

• Lower estrogenic activity: Significantly less than ethyl- or propylparabens; no competitive binding to human receptors (2008 study)
• Weak anti-androgenic activity: Documented but much weaker than larger parabens
• Non-accumulating: Rapidly metabolized and excreted; no tissue bioaccumulation
• Biodegradable: Readily metabolized by soil bacteria; environmentally friendly
• Low acute toxicity: Practically non-toxic at food-use levels; animals studies show no adverse effects
• Allergy rates: Paraben allergy 0.6-0.8%; rate influenced primarily by cosmetic exposure (higher) than food exposure
• Regulatory confidence: Maintained 0.4% limit (NOT reduced) reflects favorable regulatory assessment relative to other parabens

E218 Hierarchy Within Paraben Family—LOWEST CONCERN POSITION

Among parabens, E218 methylparaben occupies the LOWEST regulatory concern position due to smallest molecular size and lowest endocrine activity:

• E218 (Methylparaben): SMALLEST paraben; LOWEST antimicrobial potency; LOWEST estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity; HIGHEST regulatory confidence; MAINTAINED 0.4% limit (NOT reduced); MOST COMMONLY USED
• E219 (Sodium methylparaben): Sodium salt of E218; identical safety profile to E218
• E214 (Ethylparaben): Intermediate size; intermediate estrogenic activity; maintained 0.4% limit
• E215 (Sodium ethylparaben): Sodium salt of E214; identical safety to E214
• E216 (Propylparaben): LARGER chain; HIGHEST estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity; REDUCED regulatory limit (0.19%); MOST AGGRESSIVE phase-out
• E217 (Sodium propylparaben): Sodium salt of E216; identical concerns to E216

E218 is the LOWEST concern paraben—positioned at opposite regulatory spectrum from E216/E217.

2008 Receptor Binding Study—Key Scientific Evidence for E218 Safety

A critical 2008 study explicitly distinguished methylparaben (E218) from larger parabens regarding endocrine mechanisms:

The study found that methylparaben showed NO competitive binding for human estrogen and androgen receptors, while butyl- and isobutyl-parabens demonstrated varying levels of binding. This finding provides scientific evidence that methylparaben’s endocrine mechanism differs fundamentally from larger parabens—supporting E218’s favorable regulatory status and maintained 0.4% concentration limit (vs. E216’s reduced 0.19% limit).

Production Method

E218 methylparaben is produced through chemical synthesis:

1. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid is synthesized or sourced (typically from petroleum-derived precursors)
2. The carboxylic acid group (-COOH) is esterified with methanol under acidic catalysis, creating methyl ester (methylparaben)
3. The product is crystallized, filtered, and dried
4. The final product is purified and standardized for purity
5. Alternative routes: Esterification of benzoic acid derivatives; direct synthesis from starting materials

All production is fully synthetic. While methylparaben occurs naturally in trace amounts in some plants (serving as insect pheromone) and is a component of wolf queen pheromone, commercial food-grade E218 is entirely synthetically produced.

Natural vs Synthetic Version—Natural Traces Documented

E218 methylparaben is fully synthetic commercially—though traces occur naturally in some organisms and plants.

Methylparaben is documented as a natural pheromone compound in various insect species and is a component of queen mandibular pheromone in honeybees and wolf pheromones. While trace amounts occur naturally, all food and cosmetic-grade E218 is entirely synthetically produced.

Comparison with Related Preservatives

E218 methylparaben occupies a specific position among paraben and non-paraben preservatives:

• E210 (Benzoic acid): Different chemical family; different mechanism; concerns about benzene formation with vitamin C
• E211 (Sodium benzoate): Different chemical family; different regulatory considerations
• E212-213 (Potassium/Calcium benzoate): Benzoate family; different mechanism
• E214 (Ethylparaben): Larger paraben; higher estrogenic activity than E218; maintained 0.4% limit
• E216 (Propylparaben): Largest common paraben; much higher estrogenic activity; reduced to 0.19% limit
• E200-202 (Sorbic acid/potassium sorbate): Different chemical; broader spectrum; different regulatory considerations
• E234 (Nisin): Natural bacteriocin; zero endocrine concerns; higher cost
• E235 (Natamycin): Natural antifungal; zero endocrine concerns; antifungal specific

E218’s competitive advantage is cost combined with regulatory acceptance, despite slightly lower antimicrobial potency than E216.

Environmental and Sustainability

E218 methylparaben production through chemical synthesis carries environmental costs. HOWEVER, unlike larger parabens, methylparaben is readily biodegradable and metabolized by soil bacteria, making it completely environmentally degradable. This biodegradability advantage is a key distinction from non-biodegradable alternatives and larger parabens that persist more in environmental contexts.

Natural Alternatives to E218

Want to avoid E218? Alternatives include:

• E234 (Nisin): Natural bacteriocin; excellent safety; zero endocrine concerns; higher cost
• E235 (Natamycin): Natural antifungal; good safety; antifungal focus; zero endocrine concerns
• E200-202 (Sorbic acid/potassium sorbate): Broader spectrum; different mechanism; documented gut microbiome effects
• Essential oils: Natural antimicrobials; variable efficacy; sensory impact
• No chemical preservative: Accept shorter shelf life; faster distribution

Consumer Actions Regarding E218

For consumers concerned about paraben exposure generally:

• If strict paraben avoidance desired: choose “paraben-free” explicitly
• If accepting some paraben use: E218 is the safest paraben choice due to lowest endocrine concerns and maintained regulatory limits
• Understand E218 is ubiquitous in processed foods and cosmetics—complete avoidance requires eliminating most processed products
• Focus primary concern on E216/E217 (propyl parabens) if selectively avoiding parabens
• Reduce cosmetic paraben exposure (more significant source than food)
• Support manufacturers developing paraben alternatives

The Bottom Line

E218 (methyl p-hydroxybenzoate/methylparaben) is a fully synthetic preservative and the MOST COMMONLY USED PARABEN GLOBALLY, approved by FDA, EFSA, and JECFA, with the MOST FAVORABLE safety profile among all parabens due to smallest molecular size, LOWEST estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, MAINTAINED maximum concentration limits (0.4%—NOT reduced like E216), scientific evidence of NO competitive binding to human estrogen/androgen receptors, regulatory confidence explicitly reflected in non-reduced approval limits, and complete biodegradability in environmental contexts.

E218 methylparaben is the methyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, functioning as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative at low concentrations (0.1-0.3%) against molds, yeasts, and some bacteria. The compound has limited water solubility but excellent distribution throughout diverse food and cosmetic formulations. It is inexpensive, stable across wide pH ranges, and biodegradable—making it the rational economic choice for manufacturers.

The critical distinction of E218 is its position as the LOWEST regulatory concern among all parabens. Unlike propylparaben (E216) which faced 2010 EFSA regulatory tightening from 0.4% to 0.19%, methylparaben maintained its original 0.4% limit—explicit regulatory recognition that endocrine concerns are lower. A 2008 scientific study documented that methylparaben shows NO competitive binding to human estrogen and androgen receptors, contrasting with documented binding for larger parabens—providing mechanistic evidence supporting the regulatory distinction.

E218 faces paraben family concerns (estrogenic/anti-androgenic activity documented at higher doses) but to SIGNIFICANTLY LESSER DEGREE than ethyl- or propylparabens due to its smallest molecular size. The 2017 RIVM Dutch government assessment explicitly concluded: “There is currently no concern for methylparaben” despite noting studies could be more extensive.

E218 is the MOST WIDELY USED paraben globally due to optimal balance of cost, effectiveness, and regulatory acceptance. It is practically impossible to avoid entirely without eliminating most processed foods and cosmetics. Unlike E216/E217 facing aggressive phase-out, E218 remains the industry standard.

For consumers, E218 represents the SAFEST paraben choice if paraben use is accepted—with maintained regulatory limits, favorable scientific evidence, and the lowest endocrine-disruption concerns among paraben family members.

What is E218? – Complete guide to understanding Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate/Methylparaben in your food