YenzoWhat is propylparaben (E216)?
It is propyl para-hydroxybenzoate (propylparaben), an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid in the paraben group, formerly used as a preservative.
E216Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
E216 is propyl para-hydroxybenzoate (propylparaben), an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid from the paraben family. It has been used as a preservative against yeasts and moulds.
- Code
- E216 · INS 216
- Group
- Preservative
In Vietnam✕ Not permitted in VietnamNot on Vietnam's list of permitted additives (Circular 24/2019); it may be used only in a product whose declaration is registered with the Vietnam Food Administration
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalehigh?Based on JECFA's evaluation
How E216 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (216), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (216)preservative 216E216INS 216
Questions about propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Is propyl para-hydroxybenzoate harmful?
In 2004 EFSA considered that propylparaben should not be included in the group ADI of methylparaben and ethylparaben, because in juvenile male rats propylparaben reduced sperm production and changed sex hormones, unlike the other two; the lowest dose tested was 10 mg/kg body weight per day. EFSA could not recommend an ADI for propylparaben because of the lack of a clear no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL).
Is E216 permitted in Vietnam?
Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate (INS 216) is not listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, nor in Appendix 2B.
Other preservatives
E213Calcium benzoatelowE214Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE215Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE217Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoatehighE218Methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE219Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelow
See all preservatives →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- JECFA evaluation. JECFA: 67th meeting (2006): propyl paraben excluded from the group ADI of the parabens.
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2004). Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) related to para hydroxybenzoates (E 214-219)