Can prenatal propylparaben exposure affect fertility across generations?
In mice, yes. A 2025 study found lower ovarian reserve across 3 generations after prenatal propylparaben exposure.
What is actually in it
Propylparaben is a preservative used in some personal care products, including shampoo, lotion, makeup, and deodorant.
Pregnancy is a sensitive window because reproductive cells are forming early. That is why researchers study prenatal exposure carefully.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Nature Communications exposed pregnant mice to propylparaben. Female offspring had signs of diminished ovarian reserve, and the pattern appeared across 3 generations.
This was a mouse study, not proof that the same thing happens in people. It is still a useful reason to check labels on products used every day. If you want one easy first swap, start with shampoo or body products used often.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Transgenerational inheritance of diminished ovarian reserve triggered by prenatal propylparaben exposure in mice. | Nat Commun | 2025 |