What is E217?
Complete guide to understanding E217 (Sodium Propyl p-Hydroxybenzoate/Sodium Propylparaben) in your food
The Quick Answer
E217 is sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium propylparaben), the water-soluble sodium salt version of propylparaben (E216), used as a synthetic preservative to inhibit growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria—with identical endocrine disruption concerns as E216 but enhanced water solubility for aqueous formulations.
It’s the sodium salt form of E216 propylparaben, offering water solubility advantage while sharing all the same safety concerns as the problematic E216 paraben.
Most people consuming processed foods, beverages, and cosmetics occasionally encounter E217, though it remains largely invisible—functioning as a preservative with official approval but facing identical endocrine disruption concerns, SAME TIGHTENED REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS (0.19% maximum for propyl+butyl parabens combined), and rapidly accelerating industry phase-out due to recognition of endocrine-disrupting properties identical to E216.
📌 Quick Facts
- Category: Synthetic Preservative, Paraben Family, Sodium Salt, Antimicrobial Agent
- Source: Fully synthetic—sodium salt of propylparaben (E216)
- Found in: Beverages, dairy products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods
- Safety: FDA approved; EFSA approved (with TIGHTENED restrictions); JECFA approved; MAX 0.19% (propyl+butyl combined)
- Natural or Synthetic: Fully synthetic (sodium salt of paraben)
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Yes
- Key Concern: IDENTICAL ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION to E216; SAME REDUCED CONCENTRATION LIMITS (0.19% vs 0.4% for other parabens); WATER-SOLUBLE form of most problematic paraben; rapid industry phase-out
- Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₁₁NaO₃; sodium salt of propylparaben (E216)
The Critical Context—E217 Is Water-Soluble E216
E217 sodium propylparaben is the water-soluble sodium salt version of E216 propylparaben—the most problematic paraben with the strongest endocrine disruption, tightest regulatory restrictions, and fastest industry phase-out. E217 shares IDENTICAL safety concerns as E216 while offering water solubility advantage for aqueous formulations. Both E217 and E216 are subject to the same 2010 EFSA regulatory reduction (maximum 0.19% concentration for propyl+butyl parabens combined) and face the most aggressive industry abandonment among all paraben family members.
What Exactly Is It?
E217 is sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium propylparaben), the sodium salt of propylparaben with molecular formula C₁₀H₁₁NaO₃ and molecular weight of 202.18 g/mol.
E217 is chemically identical to E216 (propylparaben) except for the sodium cation addition, making it the water-soluble version of the free acid E216. While E216 is poorly soluble in water, E217 dissolves readily in aqueous solutions, particularly at alkaline pH (pH >8), allowing formulation as aqueous solutions and incorporation into water-based food and cosmetic systems.
Physically, E217 appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water and in alkaline solutions but reverts to insoluble E216 ester form in acidic conditions (pH <4). The compound has pH stability between 3.0-11.0 but requires alkaline pH for water solubility.
Chemically, E217 functions identically to E216 in its biocidal mechanism: the propylparaben anion penetrates microbial cells and disrupts cellular metabolism, causing microbial death. The sodium cation is inert—serving only to facilitate water solubility. E217’s antimicrobial spectrum is identical to E216: broad-spectrum activity against molds, yeasts, and bacteria, with higher effectiveness against fungi than bacteria.
Where You’ll Find It
E217 appears in aqueous-based foods and beverages where water solubility is required:
• Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
• Fruit juices and juice drinks
• Dairy beverages and milk products
• Yogurts and yogurt drinks
• Sauces and gravies (alkaline formulations)
• Pickles and pickled foods
• Condiments
• Jams and fruit preserves
• Baked goods
• Confectionery
• Cosmetics (creams, lotions, gels)
• Pharmaceutical products
• Personal care products
• Food supplements
• Wet wipes
• Shampoos and shower gels
E217 is specifically selected in aqueous formulations where its water solubility provides advantage over E216 (the free acid). The sodium salt form allows liquid formulations and effective preservation at pH >5 where E216 would be ineffective.
Why Do Food Companies Use It?
E217 performs one critical function with water solubility advantage but declining use due to regulatory restrictions and endocrine concerns:
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation in aqueous systems: E217 sodium propylparaben inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacteria growth, extending shelf life in beverages and water-based foods. The sodium salt’s water solubility allows application where E216 (the free acid) would be ineffective. However, like E216, E217 is being rapidly phased out by manufacturers despite continued regulatory approval due to recognized endocrine disruption concerns.
Why declining despite regulatory approval: The 2010 EFSA reduction to 0.19% maximum concentration (identical restriction applying to both E216 and E217) explicitly signals heightened endocrine-disruption concerns. Manufacturers increasingly avoid propyl parabens entirely, selecting methylparaben (E218) for cost reasons or shifting to natural preservatives (E234, E235) to eliminate paraben association with endocrine concerns.
Is It Safe?
E217’s safety status is IDENTICAL to E216 propylparaben—officially approved but facing IDENTICAL and HIGHEST endocrine disruption concerns among parabens, resulting in TIGHTENED REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS and most aggressive industry phase-out.
Regulatory Status—E217 HAS IDENTICAL RESTRICTIONS AS E216:
• FDA (USA): Approved; maximum 0.1% concentration in foods
• EFSA (Europe): Approved but with REDUCED concentration limits: Maximum 0.19% for propyl + butylparabens combined (IDENTICAL to E216 restriction; 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
⚠️ IDENTICAL ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION TO E216—E217 HAS SAME TIGHT RESTRICTIONS: E217 sodium propylparaben faces IDENTICAL regulatory concerns to E216:
• Estrogenic binding identical to E216: E217 shows SAME estrogenic activity as E216 (water solubility does not change endocrine mechanism); estrogenicity highest among common parabens
• Anti-androgenic activity identical: SAME anti-androgenic properties as E216; blocks male hormone activity
• 2010 EFSA Regulatory Tightening applies identically: SAME maximum concentration reduction to 0.19% for propyl+butyl parabens applies to E217 as to E216
• Developmental/reproductive effects documented: SAME animal study findings as E216: delay in vaginal opening, estrous cycle alterations, adrenal gland weight changes
• California Priority Chemical: Listed identically to E216 for endocrine toxicity and reproductive toxicity
• Mechanism unchanged by sodium salt: Sodium form does not reduce endocrine activity; only improves water solubility; safety concerns remain IDENTICAL
• Industry phase-out applies equally: E217 facing identical rapid abandonment as E216 due to recognized endocrine concerns
Documented safety/concern findings for E217 (IDENTICAL to E216):
• STRONGEST estrogenic activity among common parabens: Identical to E216
• Anti-androgenic activity: Identical male hormone-blocking effects as E216
• Regulatory concentration reduction: 2010 EFSA reduced limits to 0.19% (identical restriction as E216)
• Reproductive/developmental effects: Vaginal opening delays, estrous cycle alterations, adrenal gland changes (identical to E216)
• Cumulative exposure risk: Combined exposure from foods + cosmetics + pharmaceuticals (identical to E216)
• Environmental persistence: Detected in water sources; ecosystem accumulation (identical to E216)
• Allergenicity: Paraben allergy 0.6-0.8%; contact dermatitis (identical to E216)
Water Solubility Advantage of E217
The critical distinction of E217 versus E216 is water solubility—nothing else:
E216 (propylparaben free acid) is poorly soluble in water, limiting application to oil-based formulations or suspensions. E217 (sodium salt) is highly water-soluble, particularly at alkaline pH, allowing even distribution throughout beverages, aqueous sauces, and water-based cosmetics where E216 would be impractical. However, this solubility advantage provides NO safety benefit—E217 has IDENTICAL endocrine-disrupting mechanisms and IDENTICAL regulatory concerns as E216.
Production Method
E217 sodium propylparaben is produced by salt formation of E216:
1. Propylparaben (E216) is synthesized through esterification of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with n-propanol
2. The propylparaben is dissolved in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution
3. The sodium salt crystallizes or is recovered through precipitation/evaporation
4. The product is purified, dried, and standardized for purity
5. Alternative: Direct neutralization of propylparaben suspension with sodium hydroxide in situ, creating soluble sodium salt
All production methods are fully synthetic.
Natural vs Synthetic Version
E217 is entirely synthetic—there is no natural version.
Sodium propylparaben is entirely a synthetic compound created through chemical synthesis followed by salt formation. No natural sources exist.
Paraben Family Context—E217 Is At Highest Concern Level
E217 sodium propylparaben is the water-soluble form of the MOST PROBLEMATIC paraben—sharing identical concerns with E216 at the top of the paraben concern hierarchy:
• E218 (Methylparaben): Smallest paraben; lowest endocrine concerns; maintained at 0.4% regulatory limit
• E219 (Sodium methylparaben): Sodium salt of E218; lowest endocrine concerns
• E214 (Ethylparaben): Intermediate size; intermediate endocrine concerns; maintained at 0.4% limit
• E215 (Sodium ethylparaben): Sodium salt of E214; intermediate concerns
• E216 (Propylparaben): LARGEST common paraben; HIGHEST estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity; TIGHTEST regulatory restrictions (0.19% max); MOST AGGRESSIVE industry phase-out
• E217 (Sodium propylparaben): Water-soluble form of E216; IDENTICAL endocrine concerns; IDENTICAL 0.19% maximum concentration limits; IDENTICAL and MOST AGGRESSIVE industry phase-out
E217 occupies the same highest-concern position as E216—just in water-soluble form.
The 2010 EFSA Regulatory Reduction—E217 Restricted Identically to E216
E217 is subject to IDENTICAL regulatory tightening as E216:
EFSA reduced the maximum allowed concentration for propyl and butylparabens (including both E216 and E217) from 0.4% to 0.19%—a 52.5% reduction. This reduction was NOT applied to methylparaben or ethylparaben, which maintained 0.4% limits. This explicit regulatory discrimination applies identically to E217 and E216, reflecting recognition that propyl parabens—in both free acid and sodium salt forms—exhibit superior endocrine-disruption concerns.
Environmental and Sustainability
E217 sodium propylparaben production through chemical synthesis carries environmental costs. The compound shows partial biodegradability but can persist in environmental contexts. Parabens including E217 have been detected in water sources and aquatic organisms, indicating environmental accumulation. Environmental impact is concerning compared to natural alternatives.
Natural Alternatives to E217
Want to avoid E217? 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 E217; 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; benzene formation concerns
• Essential oils: Natural antimicrobials; variable efficacy; sensory impact
• No chemical preservative: Accept shorter shelf life; faster distribution
Consumer Actions to Minimize E217 Exposure
For consumers concerned about E217 or paraben endocrine disruption:
• Actively AVOID products containing E217 or “sodium propylparaben”
• Choose “paraben-free” products (explicit avoidance indicated)
• Select foods preserved with E234 (nisin), E235 (natamycin), or sorbates instead
• Limit cosmetic paraben exposure (primary exposure source; food is secondary)
• Check labels carefully; E217 is being aggressively phased out, so avoidance is increasingly feasible
• Support manufacturers actively phasing out all parabens
• Understand paraben-free alternatives may use less proven preservatives—accept trade-offs
The Bottom Line
E217 (sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate/sodium propylparaben) is the water-soluble sodium salt form of E216 propylparaben—sharing IDENTICAL endocrine disruption concerns, IDENTICAL tightened regulatory restrictions (0.19% maximum concentration), IDENTICAL anti-androgenic and estrogenic activity, IDENTICAL reproductive/developmental effects documentation, and IDENTICAL and MOST AGGRESSIVE industry phase-out among all paraben family members.
E217 is chemically identical to E216 except for the sodium cation, making it the water-soluble version of the free acid. It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative, inhibiting mold, yeast, and some bacteria. The sodium salt’s water solubility allows application in beverages and aqueous formulations where E216 would be ineffective.
The critical distinction of E217 is that it is the WATER-SOLUBLE FORM OF THE MOST PROBLEMATIC PARABEN. While water solubility provides formulation convenience, it provides NO safety benefit—E217 retains IDENTICAL endocrine-disruption mechanisms and IDENTICAL regulatory concerns as E216. The 2010 EFSA regulatory reduction to 0.19% maximum concentration applies identically to both E216 and E217, explicitly recognizing that propyl parabens (in both forms) present the highest endocrine-disruption concerns among parabens.
E217 faces identical and aggressive industry phase-out as E216. Manufacturers increasingly avoid propyl parabens entirely, selecting smaller parabens for cost reasons or shifting to natural preservatives to eliminate the endocrine-concern association.
For consumers, E217 represents the water-soluble form of the highest-concern paraben—with identical regulatory warnings, identical safety concerns, identical health risks, and identical industry abandonment as E216 itself. The sodium salt form changes nothing about the fundamental endocrine-disruption mechanisms or regulatory status.