Potassium paraben (inci)

"Potassium..." means the element potassium, "paraben" means the paraben "4-hydroxybenzoic acid, potassium salt". 4-hydroxybenzoate has estrogen-like properties. Potassium paraben is a substance used in cosmetic preparations where it acts as a preservative. A preservative is defined as a substance which is used in cosmetic preparations as a preservative.

Preservative: Substance used in cosmetic preparations as a preservative. Inhibits the growth of micro-organisms (The general conditions for preservatives that may be used in cosmetics are defined in the EC Cosmetics Regulation - 1223/2009 - Annex V).

1. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) Manage risks - protect consumers: https://www.bvl.bund.de/DE/03_Verbraucherprodukte/03_AntragstellerUnternehmen/02_Kosmetik/04_Inhaltsstoffe/bgs_fuerAntragsteller_kosmetik_gesetzlicheRegelung_inhaltsstoffe_node.html