E215 · Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Use caution
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E215?
Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium ethylparaben) is the sodium salt of ethylparaben, used as an antimicrobial preservative to prevent bacteria, mould, and yeast growth and extend shelf life. It is part of the paraben family and is often used alongside other parabens for broader preservative effect. Like other parabens, it has raised some concern about weak hormone-mimicking (endocrine) activity at high exposure, though current permitted food-use levels account for this.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium ethylparaben, Ethylparaben sodium salt, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester sodium salt, Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate sodium, E215, E 215, E-215, Paraben (ethyl, sodium salt), Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate preservative, Natrio etilparabenas, Nātrija etilparabēns.
What the evidence says
- Parabens show weak endocrine (hormone-mimicking) activity in laboratory studies; current usage limits are set to account for this.
- Occasional contact allergy reported, mainly from cosmetic use; dietary reactions are rare.
Frequently asked questions
Is E215 safe?
Our overall verdict for E215 (Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate) is “Use caution”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: use caution; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E215 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E215 and why is it used?
Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium ethylparaben) is the sodium salt of ethylparaben, used as an antimicrobial preservative to prevent bacteria, mould, and yeast growth and extend shelf life. It is part of the paraben family and is often used alongside other parabens for broader preservative effect. Like other parabens, it has raised some concern about weak hormone-mimicking (endocrine) activity at high exposure, though current permitted food-use levels account for this.
Does E215 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, though some people report sensitivity (paraben sensitivity).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.