Ethylparaben belongs to the paraben family of alkyl esters, synthetic compounds long used as antimicrobial preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and some foods. Parabens have been in commercial use since the early 20th century and are routinely measured in population biomonitoring studies as indicators of exposure to personal care and consumer products. Biochemically, ethylparaben is a small, lipophilic ester that can be absorbed through the skin, inhalation, or ingestion. In the body it is rapidly metabolized—initial cleavage by esterases followed by conjugation (glucuronidation or sulfation)—and the conjugated metabolites are excreted in urine. In vitro and animal studies show weak interaction with estrogen receptors and other hormone pathways, which is why ethylparaben is monitored as an environmental exposure of endocrine relevance.

Higher urinary ethylparaben typically reflects greater recent exposure from products or the environment, and can also be influenced by timing of use and individual differences in absorption and clearance. Elevated levels in isolation do not diagnose a condition; they are a signal of exposure that may be considered alongside hormone metabolites, detoxification markers, and timing measures in the full Hormone Zoomer report. Low or nondetectable levels usually indicate little recent exposure or rapid elimination; however, sample timing, urine concentration (creatinine), and co‑exposures affect interpretation. Clinicians interpret ethylparaben values in the context of the panel’s hormone, adrenal, and chemical-exposure data to understand potential links between exposures and hormonal patterns.

Ethylparaben is included in the Hormone Zoomer as a representative endocrine disruptor exposure marker. Measuring it helps link external preservative exposure with hormone metabolism and clearance patterns in the broader panel, supporting individualized interpretation of how environmental chemicals may relate to a person’s hormonal rhythms and resilience.