Calculating Paraben Concentration from Ingredient Usage Percentage
Question
Regarding the ingredient "Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids", which contains Methyl Paraben (0.25%) and Propyl Paraben (0.25%). Based on my research, the FDA allows the use of each paraben type up to 0.25% by weight.
"Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids" has a recommended usage rate of 0.5-5% (3-5% for skin and 0.5-1% for leave-on hair products).
If I use "Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids" at 5% in a 100g formulation, what percentage of Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben will be in my formula? Please help with the calculation.
Answer
Based on your calculation and the information provided:
- You are using "Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids" at 5% in your 100g formulation.
- "Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids" contains 0.25% Methyl Paraben and 0.25% Propyl Paraben.
Here's the calculation for the final concentration of each paraben in your 100g formulation:
- Amount of "Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids" used: 5% of 100g = 5g
- Amount of Methyl Paraben in the formulation: 0.25% of 5g = 0.0025 * 5g = 0.0125g
- Amount of Propyl Paraben in the formulation: 0.25% of 5g = 0.0025 * 5g = 0.0125g
To convert these amounts back to percentages in your 100g formulation:
- Percentage of Methyl Paraben: (0.0125g / 100g) * 100% = 0.0125%
- Percentage of Propyl Paraben: (0.0125g / 100g) * 100% = 0.0125%
So, if you use "Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids" at 5% in your 100g formulation, you will have 0.0125% Methyl Paraben and 0.0125% Propyl Paraben.
These concentrations (0.0125% for each) are below the 0.25% limit per paraben type that you mentioned.
