What is E216?
Complete guide to understanding E216 (Propylparaben) in your food
The Quick Answer
E216 is propylparaben (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate), a synthetic preservative from the paraben family with the strongest antimicrobial potency and the highest degree of endocrine disruption concern among all parabens—used to inhibit growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and cosmetics.
It’s the largest commonly-used paraben, offering the highest antimicrobial effectiveness but also the strongest estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, leading to tighter regulatory restrictions and more aggressive industry phase-out compared to smaller parabens.
Most people consuming processed foods, baked goods, and beverages occasionally encounter E216, though it remains largely invisible—functioning as a preservative with official approval but facing the most aggressive regulatory restrictions (0.19% maximum concentration) and most prominent industry phase-out among all parabens due to documented endocrine disruption potential exceeding other paraben family members.
📌 Quick Facts
- Category: Synthetic Preservative, Paraben Family, Antimicrobial Agent
- Source: Fully synthetic—propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
- Found in: Baked goods, dairy products, beverages, processed foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
- Safety: FDA approved; EFSA approved (with tightened restrictions); JECFA approved; MAX 0.19% concentration (propyl+butyl parabens combined)
- Natural or Synthetic: Fully synthetic (traces naturally in some plants)
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Yes
- Key Concern: STRONGEST endocrine disruptor among common parabens; TIGHTEST regulatory restrictions (0.19% max vs 0.4% for other parabens); HIGHEST estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity; most aggressive industry phase-out
- Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₁₂O₃; propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
The Critical Context
E216 propylparaben is the largest commonly-used paraben member and exhibits the strongest endocrine disruption concerns, resulting in REDUCED REGULATORY LIMITS compared to other parabens and the MOST AGGRESSIVE industry phase-out. Unlike methylparaben (E218) and ethylparaben (E214), which maintain unchanged regulatory status, E216 underwent regulatory tightening in 2010 when EFSA reduced maximum allowed concentrations from 0.4% to 0.19% for propyl and butylparabens combined. This explicit regulatory restriction recognizes E216’s superior endocrine-disrupting potential.
What Exactly Is It?
E216 is propylparaben (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate), the propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂O₃ and molecular weight of 180.2 g/mol.
E216 is a member of the paraben family consisting of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with different alkyl ester chains. The propyl group (C₃H₇) makes E216 the third-largest paraben commonly used (after methylparaben E218 and ethylparaben E214). Like all parabens, E216 is created through esterification of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with propanol.
Physically, E216 appears as a white crystalline solid or fine powder. It is slightly soluble in water (approximately 0.065 g/100 mL at 20°C—much less soluble than methylparaben or ethylparaben) and soluble in alcohols and oils. This limited water solubility means E216 is better formulated into oil-based systems or as suspensions rather than aqueous solutions (unlike sodium propylparaben E217 which addresses this limitation).
Chemically, E216 functions like all parabens but with SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER antimicrobial and estrogenic activity. The antimicrobial spectrum increases with paraben chain length—propylparaben (E216) is more effective than methylparaben (E218) or ethylparaben (E214) but less antimicrobially potent than butylparaben. CRITICALLY, estrogenicity also increases with chain length, making E216 more estrogenic than smaller parabens.
Where You’ll Find It
E216 appears in a wide range of foods and cosmetics, though less commonly now due to regulatory restrictions and industry phase-out:
• Baked goods (bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits)
• Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk products)
• Beverages (soft drinks, juices)
• Processed meats (sausages, deli products)
• Confectionery (candies, jams, preserves)
• Seafood products
• Sauces and condiments
• Coffee extracts
• Cosmetics (creams, lotions, makeup)
• Pharmaceuticals (tablets, creams)
• Personal care products
• Food supplements
E216 usage is declining rapidly in favor of safer alternatives as manufacturers shift away from parabens entirely.
Why Do Food Companies Use It?
E216 performs one critical function with strong antimicrobial potency, but declining use due to regulatory tightening:
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation with superior potency: E216 propylparaben inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacteria growth—more effectively than methylparaben (E218) or ethylparaben (E214) due to the longer propyl chain. The compound provides excellent shelf-life extension in baked goods, dairy, and processed foods. However, E216 usage has been steadily declining since EFSA’s 2010 regulatory tightening.
Why declining despite regulatory approval: The 2010 EFSA reduction to 0.19% maximum concentration (from 0.4% for other parabens) explicitly signals heightened endocrine-disruption concerns. Manufacturers increasingly select methylparaben (E218) for cost reasons or shift to natural preservatives (E234, E235) to avoid paraben association with endocrine concerns.
Is It Safe?
E216 propylparaben is officially approved but faces the HIGHEST endocrine disruption concerns among parabens, resulting in TIGHTENED REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS and most aggressive regulatory/industry phase-out.
Regulatory Status—E216 Has TIGHTEST Restrictions:
• FDA (USA): Approved; 0.1% maximum concentration in foods
• EFSA (Europe): Approved but with REDUCED concentration limits: Maximum 0.19% for propyl + butylparabens combined (reduced from 0.4% in 2010)
• JECFA (WHO/FAO): Approved; ADI established for paraben group
• California (USA): Listed as “Priority Chemical” under biomonitoring program; flagged for endocrine toxicity and reproductive toxicity
⚠️ STRONGEST ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION AMONG PARABENS—E216 HAS TIGHTEST RESTRICTIONS: E216 propylparaben faces the HIGHEST degree of regulatory concern among all commonly-used parabens:
• Estrogenic binding strongest among parabens: E216 shows SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER estrogenic activity than methylparaben (E218) or ethylparaben (E214); estrogenicity increases with paraben chain length
• Anti-androgenic activity: E216 documented to have anti-androgenic properties (blocking male hormone activity) in addition to estrogenic effects
• 2010 EFSA Regulatory Tightening: Maximum allowed concentration REDUCED from 0.4% to 0.19% for propyl+butyl parabens combined—explicit regulatory acknowledgment of endocrine concerns
• No reduction for smaller parabens: Methylparaben (E218) and ethylparaben (E214) maintained at 0.4% maximum, indicating E216 exhibits superior endocrine disruption
• Developmental/reproductive effects documented: RIVM 2017 review documented: “delay in vaginal opening, decrease in length of estrous cycle, and increased adrenal gland weight” in animal studies
• California Priority Chemical: Listed for endocrine toxicity and reproductive toxicity concerns
• Mechanism of endocrine disruption: Both estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties; reduces male hormone activity while increasing estrogenic activity
• Uncertainty on food-level relevance: Regulatory agencies maintain food-level exposure insufficient to cause clinical endocrine effects, but the tightened restrictions acknowledge documented endocrine mechanisms
Documented safety/concern findings for E216 specifically:
• STRONGEST estrogenic activity: Among parabens, E216 shows highest estrogenic binding potency
• Anti-androgenic activity: Blocks male hormone activity in addition to estrogenic effects
• Regulatory concentration reduction: 2010 EFSA reduced limits specifically for propyl+butyl parabens to 0.19% (from 0.4%)
• Reproductive/developmental effects: Vaginal opening delays, estrous cycle shortening, adrenal gland enlargement documented
• Cumulative exposure risk: Combined exposure from foods + cosmetics + pharmaceuticals raises concerns
• Environmental persistence: Detected in water sources; persistence in environment documented
• Allergenicity: Paraben allergy 0.6-0.8%; contact dermatitis documented in sensitized individuals
E216 Shows STRONGEST Endocrine Disruption Among Parabens
The critical distinction of E216 is that it exhibits STRONGER endocrine-disrupting effects than other parabens (E218, E214), leading to explicit regulatory concentration reductions:
The RIVM 2017 Dutch government report on paraben endocrine disruption explicitly states that estrogenicity increases with paraben side chain length—making propylparaben (E216) more estrogenic than smaller parabens. The 2010 EFSA regulatory decision to reduce maximum E216 concentration from 0.4% to 0.19% (while maintaining 0.4% limits for smaller parabens) provides explicit regulatory acknowledgment that E216 presents superior endocrine-disruption concerns. This makes E216 the “highest concern” paraben from regulatory perspective.
Production Method
E216 propylparaben 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 n-propanol under acidic catalysis, creating propyl ester (propylparaben)
3. The product is crystallized, filtered, and dried
4. The final product is purified and standardized for purity
5. Alternative route: Esterification of benzoic acid derivative precursors directly creating propyl ester
All production is fully synthetic—no natural extraction. While paraben structures occur naturally in trace amounts in some plants (Stocksia brahuica and others), commercial food-grade E216 is entirely synthetically produced.
Natural vs Synthetic Version
E216 is fully synthetic—though traces occur naturally in some plants.
While propylparaben-like structures have been identified in trace amounts in certain plants (Stocksia brahuica), commercial food-grade E216 is entirely synthetically produced. All food-industry E216 is created through chemical synthesis.
Paraben Family Hierarchy—E216 At the Top of Concern
Among common parabens, E216 propylparaben has the HIGHEST endocrine-disruption potential:
• E218 (Methylparaben): Smallest paraben; lowest antimicrobial potency; lowest estrogenic activity; most commonly used; lowest regulatory concern
• E219 (Sodium methylparaben): Sodium salt of E218; lowest estrogenic concerns
• E214 (Ethylparaben): Intermediate size/potency; intermediate estrogenic activity; intermediate regulatory concern
• E215 (Sodium ethylparaben): Sodium salt of E214; intermediate concerns
• E216 (Propylparaben): Larger chain; HIGHEST antimicrobial potency among common parabens; HIGHEST estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity; TIGHTEST regulatory restrictions (0.19% max); MOST AGGRESSIVE industry phase-out
• E217 (Sodium propylparaben): Sodium salt of E216; identical endocrine concerns
E216 occupies the top position for regulatory concern and industry avoidance.
The 2010 EFSA Regulatory Reduction—Why E216 Is Different
The 2010 European Food Safety Authority decision explicitly reduced E216 maximum concentration, distinguishing it from other parabens:
EFSA reduced the maximum allowed concentration for propyl and butylparabens (including E216) from 0.4% to 0.19%—a level reduction of 52.5%. Critically, this reduction was NOT applied to methylparaben (E218) or ethylparaben (E214), which maintained 0.4% limits. This explicit regulatory discrimination reflects recognition that E216 exhibits superior endocrine-disruption concerns among parabens.
Environmental and Sustainability
E216 propylparaben production through chemical synthesis carries environmental costs. The compound shows partial biodegradability but persists in some environmental contexts. Parabens including E216 have been detected in water sources and aquatic organisms, indicating environmental accumulation. Environmental impact is concerning compared to more biodegradable alternatives.
Natural Alternatives to E216
Want to avoid E216? Alternatives include:
• E234 (Nisin): Natural bacteriocin; excellent safety; zero endocrine concerns; recommended substitute
• E235 (Natamycin): Natural antifungal; good safety; antifungal focus; zero endocrine concerns
• E218 (Methylparaben): Smallest paraben; lower endocrine concerns than E216; still carries paraben concerns
• Sorbic acid/E200-E202: Broader spectrum; different mechanism; no endocrine concerns documented
• Benzoic acid/E210-E212: Different family; different regulatory considerations; concerns about benzene formation
• Essential oils: Natural antimicrobials; variable efficacy; sensory impact
• No chemical preservative: Accept shorter shelf life; faster distribution
Consumer Actions to Minimize E216 Exposure
For consumers concerned about E216 or paraben endocrine disruption:
• Actively AVOID products containing E216 or “propylparaben”
• Choose “paraben-free” products (explicit avoidance indicated by manufacturer)
• Select foods preserved with E234 (nisin), E235 (natamycin), or sorbates instead
• Limit cosmetic paraben exposure (significant exposure source; food is secondary)
• Check labels carefully; E216 is more commonly phased out than other parabens, so avoidance is increasingly feasible
• Support manufacturers actively phasing out parabens entirely
• Understand that paraben-free alternatives may use less proven preservatives—accept trade-offs
The Bottom Line
E216 (propylparaben) is a fully synthetic preservative with the HIGHEST endocrine-disruption potential among commonly-used parabens, resulting in REDUCED regulatory concentration limits (0.19% vs 0.4% for other parabens), explicit regulatory acknowledgment of safety concerns in 2010, California state listing as priority chemical for endocrine/reproductive toxicity, and the MOST AGGRESSIVE industry phase-out among all paraben family members despite continued regulatory approval.
E216 propylparaben is the propyl ester of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, functioning as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative with the highest antimicrobial potency among commonly-used parabens. It inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacteria effectively—more effectively than methylparaben (E218) or ethylparaben (E214) due to the longer propyl chain.
The critical distinction of E216 is that it exhibits SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity than other parabens. Estrogenicity increases with paraben chain length, making E216 the most estrogenic paraben in common use. This superior endocrine-disruption potential led directly to the 2010 EFSA regulatory decision reducing maximum E216 concentration from 0.4% to 0.19%—a restriction NOT applied to smaller parabens with lower estrogenic activity.
The 2010 EFSA concentration reduction serves as explicit regulatory acknowledgment that E216 presents heightened safety concerns. This makes E216 the paraben with the tightest regulatory restrictions and the most aggressive industry phase-out. Manufacturers increasingly select methylparaben (E218) for lower cost or shift entirely to natural preservatives to avoid the paraben family’s endocrine reputation.
Like other parabens, E216 is metabolized and excreted without significant systemic accumulation at food-use levels according to regulatory agencies. However, the tightened regulatory concentration limits and California state priority chemical listing reflect acknowledgment of documented endocrine-disruption mechanisms.
For consumers, E216 propylparaben represents the “highest concern” paraben—characterized by the strongest endocrine-disruption potential, tightest regulatory restrictions, and most aggressive industry phase-out. Active avoidance is increasingly feasible due to widespread manufacturer shift to paraben-free formulations. The regulatory tightening of E216 concentrations (while maintaining higher limits for smaller parabens) demonstrates how regulatory agencies differentiate risk assessment based on documented mechanisms—explicitly recognizing E216’s superior endocrine concerns compared to other paraben family members.