How do some cosmetics, medicine and foods, like cinnamon rolls, tortillas and trail mix, last so long on store shelves? They get their longevity thanks to propyl paraben, a preservative that also provides some unwelcome health concerns.
Part of the paraben family, propyl paraben is a chemical compound widely used as a preservative in many industries since the 1950s. It prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in a wide range of products, including baked goods and processed meat.
But prolonging a product’s shelf life may be harmful when it’s been ingested as a food ingredient or absorbed through the skin when applying cosmetics. Propyl paraben imitates certain hormone functions and can affect hormone signaling and gene expression. Chemicals that disrupt hormone signaling are harmful, leading to reproductive challenges, skin irritation and diminished protection against breast cancer.
Why propyl paraben is added to food
Walk down any grocery aisle and you’re likely to find propyl paraben hidden in plain sight.
It is commonly added to products prone to mold and bacteria growth because of their high water content, such as soft drinks, shampoo and facial cleansers as preservatives.
It’s frequently found in baked goods like tortillas, pastries and cakes. It also appears in packaged snacks like chips and trail mix, as well as condiments and sauces.
For food companies, propyl paraben appeals because it reduces the number of wasted products, which translates to greater profit margins.
But for consumers, the chemical could mean health risks with every bite.
Consumers can be directly exposed to propyl paraben by rapid absorption through the skin or ingesting it. The chemical is often detected in blood, urine and breast milk.
Propyl paraben’s health harms
The many ways people are exposed to propyl paraben in everyday products are concerning because of its potential harms. It’s considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical that interferes with hormonal growth and development.
In 2015, researchers at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and Arizona State University published the first study of levels of parabens in human umbilical cord blood samples. It found that in Brooklyn, New York, a cohort of pregnant women, predominantly of Caribbean and African American descent, had the world’s highest level of methyl paraben and propyl paraben in their bodies.
Pregnant people, the developing fetus and young children are most vulnerable to the risks of propyl paraben exposure, including cancer.
In men, propyl paraben use has been linked to fertility challenges, including reduced sperm count and decreased testosterone levels.
States lead on consumer safety
While the federal Food and Drug Administration allows propyl paraben in food sold in the U.S., other countries have taken action to ban or restrict its use. The European Union issued its ban in 2006, citing evidence of its potential to disrupt hormone function and cause long-term health problems.
Potentially unsafe chemicals are in U.S. food through the “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, loophole. This allows food chemical companies to bypass pre-market review and declare their own substances are safe, even if the FDA has never assessed their safety. The agency has said it is reviewing the GRAS process but has yet to take any steps to close the loophole.
In the absence of federal action, some states are stepping up on food safety.
More than 25 states have introduced legislation increasing transparency for consumers and addressing harmful chemicals and synthetic colors in foods. They also encourage regulators to know what food and chemical companies are putting into our food.
The California Food Safety Act will take effect in January 2027 as the first-in-the-nation state law to get harmful substances out of food, banning the distribution and sale of food and beverages containing harmful chemicals and color additives, including propyl paraben.
Protecting yourself from propyl paraben exposure
Food manufacturers can use multiple types of parabens to preserve products, creating a cocktail of chemicals that may increase their toxic effects.
Labeling on food and drink can often be vague. For instance, the umbrella term “preservatives” can make it harder to know whether an item contains propyl paraben.
Making informed decisions about the products you use can significantly reduce your exposure to propyl paraben. You can:
- Check product labels. To ensure the items you purchase do not contain propyl paraben, look for products with “paraben-free” or “no parabens” on their packaging.
- Consult resources like EWG’s Food Scores, which rates more than 80,000 mostly packaged foods and drinks, and Skin Deep® database of personal care products to make sure the product you’d like to purchase doesn’t contain propyl paraben, which may also be listed on labels as “E216.”
- EWG’s Healthy Living app also provides valuable information on the levels of propyl paraben and similar chemicals in the products you purchase and use daily.
- Look for personal care products and household cleaners bearing the EWG Verified® mark, which never contain propyl paraben.
- Support state legislation and food regulation reform. Advocate for stricter limits on the use of harmful chemicals like propyl paraben in consumer products by supporting state-level legislative efforts and food safety reforms.
