Anyone who reads the ingredients of their cosmetics, such as eye shadow, eyeliner, and foundation, may note that a common ingredient in all of them is propylparaben. This ingredient exists naturally in several different types of plants and even in a few species of insects. However, the type of propylparaben that is found in cosmetics is created synthetically for environmental and financial reasons. The element is white in color and very fine, as well as being crystalline, like granulated sugar. Propylparaben has been used in cosmetics since the early 20^th century and is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, but since it is synthetic, those who use it should be aware of its possible effects on the skin.