EWG’s recommendation
Avoid or limit foods containing propyl paraben.
Propyl paraben is a synthetic preservative shown in studies to mimic the hormone estrogen, raising concerns about its potential to disrupt hormonal processes.
Several studies have linked propyl paraben exposure to reproductive health effects. These effects include changes in sperm quality and testosterone levels in males and associations with egg quality and quantity and pregnancy outcomes in females.
What is propyl paraben?
Propyl paraben, part of the paraben family, is a synthetic preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in food, personal care products, cosmetics and some pharmaceuticals, extending their shelf life.
Which foods contain propyl paraben?
Propyl paraben is typically added to baked goods such as tortillas, cookies, cakes and packaged snacks like chips and trail mix.
Look for propyl paraben in product ingredient lists, usually below or next to the Nutrition Facts panel, on the back of the package.
How is propyl paraben regulated?
The Food and Drug Administration oversees food additives and other ingredients. The FDA has permitted propyl paraben as a food additive since 1977, classifying it as “generally recognized as safe” under thresholds of 0.1 percent.
In 2024, the FDA added propyl paraben to its list of chemicals under post-market safety reassessment.
The European Union banned propyl paraben from food in 2006, citing the EU’s food safety arm finding that it caused reproductive harm and hormone disruption in young rats at all doses tested – meaning no safe daily intake could be established.
Several U.S. states have acted to restrict or ban propyl paraben in food. In 2023, California passed a law to prohibit it in food sold in the state beginning in 2027. West Virginia and Arkansas passed similar restrictions in 2025. Numerous other states have proposed legislation to ban propyl paraben.
Propyl paraben is prohibited in certified organic foods under Agriculture Department organic standards, which bar synthetic substances.
What does the science say about propyl paraben?
Multiple studies have confirmed that even at low doses, propyl paraben can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormone-sensitive processes like reproduction, development and cell growth.
In laboratory experiments, propyl paraben activated genes linked to tumor growth. It also encouraged the growth of breast cancer cells that respond to estrogen.
These findings suggest propyl paraben may play a role in breast cancer progression.
Studies in humans and animals have linked propyl paraben to reproductive harm. Research found associations between higher levels of propyl paraben in urine and reduced egg count in women.
In men, propyl paraben exposure has been associated with reduced sperm count and quality and decreased testosterone levels. A 2026 study of mother-infant pairs found prenatal propyl paraben exposure was associated with fetal distress and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Animal studies show propyl paraben can affect multiple generations: Prenatal exposure has been linked to reduced egg count across generations, while long-term low-dose exposure has been shown to promote mammary tumor growth.
In mouse embryos, propyl paraben triggered oxidative stress, DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, interfering with early embryo development.
Because people are exposed to propyl paraben both through food and personal care products, determining the long-term impact of dietary exposure alone is an area of ongoing research.
Find out more
Learn more about recommendations relating to propyl paraben – and the full EWG Dirty Dozen™ list of food chemicals – on EWG’s research page.
EWG’s Food Scores provides ratings for more than 150,000 foods and drinks based on nutrition, ingredients and processing concerns, and flags unhealthy ultra-processed foods to help you identify alternatives.
Propyl paraben is also added to cosmetic products as a preservative. EWG’s Skin Deep® cosmetic database helps to identify harmful chemicals in personal care and beauty products. EWG Verified® products meet the strictest criteria for transparency and health.
And the Healthy Living™ app lets you take these tools with you on the go.