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4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts/esters (parabens)

Regions

MarketStatusLimitRuleSource
European UnionRestricted≤ 2.5%Annex V, entry 1 (≤2.5% rinse-off; ≤0.5% leave-on)Source
United StatesNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with FDA — FD&C Act + MoCRA.
South KoreaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with MFDS — Cosmetics Act ingredient standards.
JapanNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with MHLW — Standards for Cosmetics.
ChinaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with NMPA — Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics.
United KingdomNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with OPSS — UK Cosmetics Regulation.
CanadaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Health Canada — Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
AustraliaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with AICIS / TGA.
IndiaRestricted≤ 0.4%IS 4707 (Part 2) Annex C entry 11 (list of preservatives allowed with restriction): max 0.4% (as acid) for a single ester, 0.8% for mixtures of estersSource
BrazilNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with ANVISA — RDC resolutions.
MexicoNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with COFEPRIS.
ASEANNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with ASEAN Cosmetic Directive — Annexes.
California (US)No entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with OEHHA Prop 65 · AB-2771 (PFAS).
Washington State (US)No entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (HB 1047).

Retailer standards

RetailerStatusNoteSource
Clean at SephoraBannedParabens class prohibited under Sephora CleanSource
Conscious Beauty at UltaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Ulta Beauty made-without list.
Target CleanNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Target Clean icon ingredient criteria.
Amazon listing complianceNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Amazon restricted-products / clean criteria.
Credo Clean StandardNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with The Credo Clean Standard dirty list.
Whole Foods Body CareNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Whole Foods Market body-care quality standards.
Whole Foods Premium Body CareNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Whole Foods Market premium body-care standards.
Walmart Sustainable ChemistryNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Walmart sustainable chemistry commitment.
Walmart Made Without ListNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Walmart made-without-list substances.
CVS store-brand chemicals policyNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with CVS Health chemicals of concern policy.
Costco vendor complianceNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Costco wholesale vendor requirements.
Douglas clean criteriaBannedParabens (Parabene) as a class excluded from Clean Beauty-labeled products. Confirmed in the program's published exclusion list.Source
The Detox Market banned listBannedOn The Detox Market's published banned-ingredients list. Stated concern: Endocrine Disruption, Reproductive Harm, Allergen, Organ Toxicity/Irritation, Carcinogen, possible contamination with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. Products stocked by The Detox Market are formulated without it.Source

2026-07-21 · Compiled from cited primary sources. Informational only — not legal advice.

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