Calcium propionate is a chemical compound, a natural short-chain fatty salt.

It occurs in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

Preservative ingredient labelled on the European food additives list with the number E282.

It is an antimicrobial, also included in food to prevent fungal growth.

Medical

Calcium propionate is a source of energy and calcium to alleviate negative energy balance and hypocalcaemia.

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient V/2 as Relevant item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Maximum concentration in the ready-for-use preparation 2%.

Preservative. Any product containing organic, inorganic compounds, water, needs to be preserved from microbial contamination. Preservatives act against the development of harmful microorganisms and against oxidation of the product.

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

"Calcium propionate studies"

• Molecular Formula  C₆H₁₀O₄Ca  C₆H₁₀CaO₄
• Linear Formula (CH₃CH₂COO)₂Ca
• Molecular Weight 186.22 g/mol
• UNII  8AI80040KW
• CAS  4075-81-4  
• EC Number: 223-795-8
• PubChem Substance ID 329751623
• MDL number MFCD00036137
• Beilstein Registry Number 3698682

Synonyms: 

• Calcium dipropionate
• Propionic acid calcium salt
• Calcium propanoate
• Mycoban
• Propanoic acid, calcium salt
• Propionic acid calcium salt hydrate
• calciumpropionate
• calcium;propanoate
• Calciumdipropionate
• Bioban-C