Is Propylene Glycol Safety in food and cosmetics? We offer information based on scientific evidence. Read our guide!
What is propylene glycol?
Propylene glycol (PG) is a clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature. It can exist in air as a vapor, although propylene glycol must be heated or vigorously shaken to produce vapor. Propylene glycol is virtually odorless and tasteless and has other names, including:
Trimethyl glycol
Methyl ethyl glycol
1,2-dihydroxypropane
1,2-propanediol
It is present in many cosmetics, dog foods, bath products, and medications. The industrial version is an active ingredient in engine coolants, aircraft de-icers, enamels, paints, varnishes, and polyurethane cushions.Where is it located?
Among the varied uses it has in different industries, you can find them in many industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmacy.
Uses of propylene glycol in different industries
Among its various uses in different industries, the following stand out:
Food Industry
In the food industry, it acts as a humectant, solvent, and preservative, among other things. Propylene glycol has the E1520 number.
Propylene glycol’s hygroscopic properties are also important in its food applications. By attracting and retaining water- and oil-based substances, PG can provide a homogeneous distribution in a mixture. This means it can evenly distribute food colorings, for example.
Its hygroscopicity and miscibility also make PG an excellent humectant, as it can keep foods, such as baked goods, moist, which also helps preserve them.
- Thickener: Thickens foods to improve their texture, flavor, and mouthfeel.
- Emulsifier: Binds ingredients that don’t normally mix, such as oil and water; it is often used in low-fat foods.
- Stabilizer: Stabilizes the emulsification process so the product remains thick. For example, mayonnaise (made up of oil, water, and other ingredients) may require both an emulsifier and a stabilizer. Although emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners are classified as different products, they are often sold in combination.
- Anticaking agent: Prevents powdered products (such as salt, cake mixes, and cocoa) from clumping.
- Humectant: Keeps foods, such as baked goods, moist.
- Antioxidant: Extends the shelf life of foods.
- Processing aid: Improves the appearance of foods.
Propylene glycol has many properties that benefit packaged foods. Some examples of packaged foods containing this product include: seasoning mixes, dry soups, salad dressings, baking mixes for cakes, muffins, cookies, pancakes, etc., powdered drink mixes, flavored teas, beverages, highly processed snacks, mass-produced baked desserts, sauces, etc.
Pharmaceutical products
Propylene glycol is used in a variety of oral, topical, and intravenous medications. It is also used as a drug stabilizer and as a solvent. Its miscibility with water allows PG to be used as a solvent for insoluble pharmaceutical formulations.
Diazepam, for example, benefits from propylene glycol’s miscible properties. PG is similarly used during intravenous medication, where it helps the body absorb chemicals more efficiently.
While there have been concerns about the toxicity of propylene glycol, it is important to remember that it breaks down in the body within 48 hours and does not form harmful crystals. This is why it is known as non-bioaccumulative, as it does not accumulate in our bodies.
Cosmetics
Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skin care products. It is found in 26.4% to 37.8% of registered personal care products. Propylene glycol is a versatile substance that performs some of the following functions:
- Humidifier: Humectants are included in cosmetics and skin care products for their humectant properties. Propylene glycol acts as a humectant by attracting moisture to the skin, thereby hydrating and moisturizing it.
- Solvent: Propylene glycol is used to dissolve substances in a product’s formula so they mix and work together properly. It also acts as a carrier for the active ingredients.
- Emollient: Emollients are ingredients that soften and moisturize the skin. They are essential in skin care products that treat dry skin. Propylene glycol is an emollient because it forms an oily layer on the skin and prevents water loss.
- Viscosity control: Propylene glycol reduces the viscosity of cosmetic formulas and products, helping them spread more easily on the skin and also improving product absorption.
- Preservative: Propylene glycol is often used in combination with other chemicals as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare products.
Other uses of propylene glycol
- Creating artificial smoke in firefighting demonstrations or theater performances.
- Creating vapor in e-cigarettes.
- Stabilizing medications and removing excess moisture to extend their shelf life.
- Preventing bacterial growth in cosmetics.
- How to prevent spoilage during winemaking.
- Temperature control during beer brewing.
- How to prevent antifreeze from freezing.
- Thinner for paints and plastics.
Propylene Glycol Safety
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive considered “generally safe” for use in foods. It is used to absorb excess water and maintain moisture in certain medications, cosmetics, or food products. It is a solvent for food colorings and flavors.
According to the WHO, the acceptable limit is 25 milligrams of propylene glycol per kilogram of body weight. Some people recommend reducing dietary sources of PG, citing potential risks, such as worsening symptoms of kidney and liver disease, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of heart attack or seizures.
Regarding the safety of propylene glycol, it is generally considered safe. Frequent exposure to this component in cosmetics, foods, and topical medications has been linked to skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Additionally, some research suggests that propylene glycol can be converted into carcinogenic compounds when heated in e-cigarettes, so it’s advisable to avoid them altogether.
25 companies that manufacture and sell propylene glycol, focusing on Latin America:
- Hebbe SAPI de CV Specialized Supply and Consulting – Mexico
- Alifarma – Mexico
- Martin Smith Corvera – Mexico
- Innovachem C.A. – Venezuela
- Quimi Blarti – Venezuela
- Quimitrad Corporation – Venezuela
- Raw Materials and Derivatives – Colombia
- USP Chemicals – Colombia
- Laboratory Aseptics – Mexico
- HG Chemical Group – Mexico
- Pujol Group – Costa Rica
- Surtilab – Mexico
- Lanpex S.A. – Argentina
- IMCD México, SA de CV – Mexico
- Aurora Industry Co., Ltd – United States (with distribution in LATAM)
- Pharm Rx Chemical Corp – United States (with distribution in LATAM)
- BYK – United States (with exports to LATAM)
- BASF Group – Global presence, including LATAM
- Dow Chemical – Global presence, including LATAM
- LyondellBasell – Global presence, including LATAM
- Eastman Chemical Company – Global presence, including LATAM
- Shell Chemicals – Global presence, including LATAM
- INEOS Oxide – Global presence, including LATAM
- Sasol Chemicals – Global presence, including LATAM
- Huntsman Corporation – Global presence, including LATAM
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