Propylparaben
Other names E216, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Propylparaben: high in salicylate; moderate in histamine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- SalicylateHigh
Propylparaben is a longer-chain paraben than methylparaben, with the same para-hydroxybenzoic acid backbone that makes it cross-react in salicylate intolerance.
Sources· 1
- Baenkler H-W., Dtsch Arztebl Int 105:8 (2008) 137-142, salicylate intolerance - mechanism, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)Moderate
Propylparaben (E216) is the one that answers differently, and the difference is legal rather than chemical: it was REMOVED from the EU food additive list in 2006 and cannot be in European food. It is still found in cosmetics and in food elsewhere in the world, which is why the name persists. Where it is used, it belongs with the paraben liberators. The Swiss list has no line for E216 itself, but its family entry — “parabens = PHB-ester, E214-219” — is marked L at 2 of 3, and this one falls inside that range.
Sources· 4
- Zuberbier et al., EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO urticaria guideline
- EFSA re-evaluation of parabens
- Reg. (EC) No 1333/2008 for the authorised list
- SIGHI — Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance, food-compatibility list (2024-08-29), for the L classification and the compatibility rating
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
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Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does propylparaben affect?
Propylparaben is notable for salicylate and histamine. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does propylparaben contain salicylate?
Yes — propylparaben is high in salicylate. Propylparaben is a longer-chain paraben than methylparaben, with the same para-hydroxybenzoic acid backbone that makes it cross-react in salicylate intolerance.
Does propylparaben contain histamine?
Propylparaben contains moderate levels of histamine. Propylparaben (E216) is the one that answers differently, and the difference is legal rather than chemical: it was REMOVED from the EU food additive list in 2006 and cannot be in European food. It is still found in cosmetics and in food elsewhere in the world, which is why the name persists. Where it is used, it belongs with the paraben liberators. The Swiss list has no line for E216 itself, but its family entry — “parabens = PHB-ester, E214-219” — is marked L at 2 of 3, and this one falls inside that range. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
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