The present invention relates to the use, in a cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical composition, of at least one compound of formula (I):in which:R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl radical;R3 represents a linear C1-C12 alkyl radical, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; or a linear C2-C12 alkenyl radical, optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group;as a preserving agent.The invention also relates to certain novel compounds and to the cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.