With propylparaben and PAW, bacteria undergo more oxidative stress and cell damage, increasing preservation of produce.

[10] In cosmetic products, propylparaben is typically combined with other parabens (such as methylparaben) or other preservatives to protect against a broader range of microorganisms.

[4] The chemical stability in room temperature and wide pH range (4.5–7.5) is advantageous to prolong a product shelf life.

[10] While there is no conclusive evidence of harm to human health from propylparaben, more cosmetic companies are creating paraben-free lines, specifically in shampoos.

Some people may also experience allergic reaction to parabens including redness, irritation, itchiness, flaking, and hives.

[11] Used since the mid-1920s as a preservative, parabens are present in eyewashes, pills, cough syrups, injectable solutions, contraceptives, and even weight-gain drinks.

According to a law from the EEC (European Economic Community), the maximum level of parabens in pharmaceutical products is 1% (w/w),[12] much stricter and defined than cosmetics.

Since propylparaben has minimum to no toxicity and well absorbed in the GI tract, it can potentially be develop to new anticonvulsant medicine to control seizures.

[17] Propylparaben, among other parabens, has been raising concerns on its possible interaction and disruption of estrogen in the endocrine system[18] Exposure to high levels of propylparaben has been correlated to lower sperm and testosterone production in males in animal studies,[1][18] with one other study showing that it can even act as an effective spermicide.

[5] As of May 2023, New York began considering banning the use of propylparaben because studies in humans and animals indicate that it acts as an endocrine disruptor and affects reproductive health.

[20][21] The new law bans the manufacture, sale, and distribution of propylparaben and three other additives (brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and Red 3).