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.