E218 - Methyl P-hydroxybenzoate

Author: Mark Velov Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

E 218 is used as a preservative in various foods, medicines and cosmetics. The food supplement preserves the products, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Characteristic

E 218 is used as a preservative in various foods, medicines, cosmetics. The food supplement preserves the products, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi; it is a chemical sterilizer that stops the maturation of wine or is used as a disinfectant. The substance is a white crystalline powder, in contact with skin may cause a slight anesthetic effect, has a characteristic odor.

Para-hydroxybenzoic acid is obtained by carboxylation of sodium phenolate with carbon dioxide under pressure. Then, salicylic acid is separated from it and treated with methanol. It can also occur naturally because methylparaben is formed in some plants, such as blueberries. E 218 is excreted in the urine in its pure form.

The permissible daily amount of preservative in the human body is 10 mg / kg (this is an absolutely harmless dose).

Use

The food additive methylparaben refers to sulfites, which can be classified as chemically sterilizing additives that protect products from microbes, fungi and bacteriophages. They also prevent rot, fermentation and other destructive processes.

E 218 is allowed in all countries except Russia to preserve a number of products (jams, jellies, etc.). Sometimes the preservative is used in combination with benzoates, sorbic acid or potassium sorbate. In addition, it is allowed to add to various soups, broths (but not enclosed in jars), confectionery with high sugar content (chocolate, candies with fillings), liquid biologically active additives and dried meat products.

The preservative is widely used in cosmetics (shampoos, lotions, creams, shower gels, etc.).

Effects on the body

The E 218 additive is easily processed by soil bacteria. This proves biological and environmental safety. There is no scientific evidence that the substance is harmful to human health. However, toxicologists identify some problems associated with the consumption of foods containing it. Also, in case of skin contact with ultra-high amounts of E 218, allergic reactions (itching or redness) are possible, the product may cause the development of breast cancer and estrogenic activity.

E218 - Methyl P-hydroxybenzoate

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Effects on the body

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