It functions primarily as an antimicrobial preservative (E214) in cosmetics pharmaceuticals and foods (up to 0.4%) also used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for parabens and as a flavoring agent.

Its primary purpose is inhibiting microbial growth via disruption of cell membrane function and enzyme denaturation in Gram-positive bacteria yeasts and molds extending product shelf life.

Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (ethylparaben CHO or HO-CH-COOCHCH) is a white crystalline powder with a faint phenolic odor the ethyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid molecular weight 166.17 gmol melting point 115118C boiling point 297298C density 1.3 gcm and moderate solubility in water (0.5 gL) but good in alcohols.