Oddly enough, it also helps blend items together, such as the … Antioxidant. By attracting and holding water-based and oil-based substances, PG is able to provide homogenous distribution in a mixture. We do not recommend using any chemical without first consulting the Material Safety Data Sheet which can be obtained from the manufacturer and following the safety advice and precautions on the product label. Propylene Glycol is used because of its ability to hold moister and its sweet taste. Propylene glycol can be used in different forms of drugs including oral drugs like capsules and tablets, topical drugs like creams and gels, and intravenous (injected) drugs. Propylene glycol in contact dermatitis: A systematic review. In addition it has a wide range of other practical applications e.g. Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds and as a base for de-icing solutions. It also has a very low level of toxicity. Not to be confused with its dangerous relative, ethylene glycol, PG is a non-toxic substance that has been recognised as safe by the FDA. Hydraulic Fluid. Propylene glycol is one of these chemicals. Propylene glycol, in particular, is extremely common. Propylene glycol makes up a huge part of aircraft deicers, and it's also used to break up ice on runways in airports. Industrial propylene glycol is also used in paints and coatings for wear and weather protection, as an aircraft de-icer, in liquid detergents, antifreeze, and as a solvent in printing ink. Solvent applications include alkyd resins, printing inks and coatings. But what is sulphuric... read more, Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is made up of four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. By attracting water from the air it works well in moisturisers and hair-care products by locking in moisture. This means that it’s used to dissolve other substances (usually solid) without changing their fundamental structure or composition. Propylene Glycol Indications Partnar Propylene Glycol is indicated as an aid in the treatment of acetonemia (ketosis) in cattle and sheep. Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions. It helps preserve moisture as well as dissolve colors and flavors. The top uses include: Antifreeze. Some of these health risks include lung damage and lung disease.. 11b – 13 Aston Fields Road, Whitehouse Industrial Estate, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 3DL. Not only does PG soften the skin and hair by attracting moisture, it also limits the growth of bacteria and gives cosmetic products a longer shelf-life. But large amounts can be toxic. Propylene glycol drops the freezing point of water and water-based liquids, making it effective as an antifreeze. Ooi B, Dutta D, Kazipeta K, Chong N. Influence of the e-cigarette emission profile by the ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol in e-liquid composition. Propylene glycol is used in a variety of products and manufacturing processes. Deicing Fluid. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. This is because if it is consumed, it is converted into two harmless chemicals: acetic acid (also known as vinegar) and pyruvic acid (a normal production of the glucose-metabolism process). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food. Cosmetics include personal care products such as antiperspirants and deodorants. Some people may experience skin irritation or develop contact dermatitis from frequent exposure to propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform as well. Lush even use it in over 67 of their bath-time products. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Update: Product, substance-use, and demographic characteristics of hospitalized patients in a nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury — United States, August 2019–January 2020. PG is used in a similar way during intravenous medications, where it helps the body absorb chemicals more efficiently. ReAgent is one of the leading chemical suppliers in the UK. Another testament to the non-toxic nature of PG is its use in the food industry where it serves as a humectant, solvent and preservative among other things. Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions. As a solvent in food flavorings, helping to dissolve and mix ingredients in them. It is in anywhere from 26.4% to 37.8% of registered personal care products. Propylene glycol is a versatile substance and carries out many functions in the product formulations its included in. It helps to prevent sticking of food substances and the formation of clumps. Doch was ist richtig? People with damaged kidneys or livers may have more trouble clearing propylene glycol from their systems compared to healthy adults. Sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) is an inorganic salt compound that is chiefly used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. While it’s a liquid, propylene glycol can become vapor in the air when it is heated or shaken vigorously. Propylene glycol is generally considered safe and non-toxic by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ACS Omega. Propylene glycol is widely used as a solvent in drug manufacturing. Therefore, propylene glycol is added as a thinner. 2019;4(8)pp.13338-13348. It is a solvent for fragrances and preservatives. When consumed, propylene glycol breaks down in the body quite quickly —within 48 hours—and is changed to a source of energy. Propylene glycol antifreeze, on the other hand, is a non-toxic alternative. Unlike ethylene glycol, however, propylene glycol is not toxic and is used extensively in foods, cosmetics, and oral hygiene products as a solvent, preservative, and moisture-retaining agent. It is used as humectant, solvent, emollient or preservative in various skincare products.. Propylene glycol is also used as a carrier in drug formulations. This also helps to preserve them. However, its viscosity as a liquid could lead to the poor transportation of the e-liquid to the atomiser. Other studies also indicate that propylene glycol is converted into cancer-causing compounds when it’s heated up in the e-cigarettes. Studies on these risks posed by e-cigarettes are still ongoing and the risks are yet to be conclusively defined. Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP), referring to the United States and European Pharmacopoeias, is a high-purity grade of monopropylene glycol for use in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, personal care, flavor and fragrance, plus a variety of other applications. Tobacco Products. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(2):44-49. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6902e2. These crystals then build up in the heart, lungs and kidneys which could cause permanent damage. For instance, in grated cheese or in dried soups. the atomiser, where cotton is usually used. This is why it is known as being non-bio-accumulative, as it doesn’t build up in our bodies. Propylene glycol makes the e-liquid more easily absorbed by the cotton in the atomiser, and its low density prevents any residue from building up inside. Read our, Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD, Inactive Ingredients in Common Pain Medications, The 8 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea of 2020. Propylene glycol, also called 1,2-propanediol, resembles ethylene glycol in its physical properties. Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food. One reason propylene glycol is used in various food products is because it doesn’t react on its own, allowing it to do its job without affecting other ingredients. It is also used as a drug stabiliser and as a solvent. This kind of propylene glycol is mainly used for industrial purposes like making plastic or antifreeze. Propylene glycol is used in a range of oral, topical and intravenous medicines. Updated July 13, 2020. Propylene glycol is a common ingredient found in many products we use in our daily life. 1  Benefits of Propylene Glycol for Skin PG is non-irritating, has a low volatility and it also acts as an emulsifier. This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (e.g., diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Propylene glycol is used in antifreeze because, like ethylene glycol, it lowers the freezing point of water by disrupting the formation of ice crystals. Propylene glycol has the E-Number E1520. Propylene glycol is used in antibacterial lotion, and hand sanitizer liquids. food, or topical medications. 2018;29(1):6-12. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000307, Ellington S, Salvatore P, Ko J et al. It also functions as a carrier for nicotine and flavorings which are added to some e-liquids. Its chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH. Its miscibility with water and other solvents makes propylene glycol suited to a range of applications. As a basic building block, it is used in its raw … Propylene glycol is an alcohol that absorbs water and mixes completely with many solvents. Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. To learn more about this compound, we’ve talked about it here. Dermatitis. Propylene glycol is commonly used as an excipient in a variety of drugs and it is also authoris ed in food products and cosmetics. Propylene glycol is used as a moisturizer and skin softener in literally thousands of personal care products. In cosmetics, including at Lush, plant-based PG is gaining more popularity because of its natural production. If you’ve ever been to a theatrical performance or music concert where artificial smoke is used, the clouds more often than not contain propylene glycol. Propylene glycol (IUPAC name: propane-1,2-diol) is a viscous, colorless liquid, which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products. At ReAgent, we sell propylene glycol and non-toxic antifreeze with a promise of 100% quality guarantee. Shop online today, or contact us to speak to an expert member of our team. What Happens When You Put Copper Wire in Silver Nitrate? It is best known for the attributes of a hydrating and delivery ingredient. Propylene glycol is used in a range of oral, topical and intravenous medicines. Propylene glycol [ 1] is an organic, colourless and odorless synthetic liquid that absorbs water. This change didn’t happen because propylene glycol was better performing than ethylene glycol, but because it was less toxic. Updated January 21, 2015. Finally, it is used to dilute and stabilize medicines. PG is used in a similar way in smoke or fog machines. In fact, the company Lush even use it in over 67 of their bath-time products. In these applications, PG keeps the moisture … The blog on chemicals.co.uk and everything published on it is provided as an information resource only. Recognised... read more, There are many different types of chemical grades, which determine where and how a chemical product can be used.... read more, Also known as caustic soda or lye, sodium hydroxide is a diverse chemical compound that is used in the... read more, Ethanol is used for many applications across a variety of industries and also goes by a few different names:... read more, A chemist would recognise that isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol are simply different names for the same substance (chemical structure... read more, Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound that has a variety of uses and appearances depending on its molecular... read more, If you’re confused by what demineralised water is versus deionised, distilled, ultrapure, purified water (the list goes on)… you’re... read more, Sulphuric acid goes by many names, including oil of vitriol, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen sulphate. . Its miscibility with water enables PG to be used as a solvent for insoluble pharmaceutical formulations. Amounts of it that are not broken down and metabolized are passed out of the body in urine., Some of the ways propylene glycol is used in food include:, Propylene glycol is safe for consumption and the FDA approves its use in food at certain concentrations. Can I Use Isopropyl Alcohol Instead of Denatured Alcohol? This happens when the user begins inhaling. Health risks of e-cigarettes and vaping. Alongside vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol is the major ingredient in the liquids (e-liquids) used in e-cigarettes. Because propylene glycol attracts water it functions as a humectant and is used in moisturizers to enhance the appearance of skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Propylene glycol (PG) is an extremely hygroscopic compound with a colourless and odourless appearance. Is Isopropanol The Same As Isopropyl Alcohol? here are many different applications for propylene glycol. Diazepam, for example, benefits for the miscible properties of propylene glycol. Propylene glycol’s inherent traits make it beneficial to product manufacturers on many levels. Kidney and Liver Damage . These are also mixed with flavourings and nicotine. We are based in Cheshire, England and have been established since 1977. Propylene glycol and other substances such as baking soda are often used in common foods, it also have a variety of uses outside of food, such as serving as an ingredient in many pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and … Propylene glycol can also be obtained from glycerol, a major byproduct of the biodiesel production process. Though propylene glycol is considered to be safe if it is present in minimal amount in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics, it becomes a health hazard if exposure to this chemical is large by way of ingestion or by inhalation. Different Application Uses for Propylene Glycol. This means that it’s used to dissolve other substances (usually solid) without changing their fundamental structure or composition. Otherwise, let’s jump in to the five uses of propylene glycol. Propylene Glycol is essentially a synthetic liquid additive which is used in food, drink and cosmetic products to provide a number of beneficial effects.PG is odourless and colourless with virtually no distinguishable taste.. PG is able to dissolve certain substances more effectively than water and can retain moisture extremely well. Sec. It is also used as a drug stabiliser and as a solvent. Rather the term organic compound refers to the fact that it contains carbon. This means that it is able to distribute food colouring, for example, evenly. The blog, its authors and affiliates accept no responsibility for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from following the information provided on this website. doi:10.1021/acsomega.9b01504. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform. 184.1666 Propylene glycol. Rather than using PG that has been converted from propene, a by-product of fossil fuels, many cosmetic-grade PG has been derived from plants to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. The chemical is used to thicken items, keep them moist and help prevent caking. used as antifreeze, dicing solution, and as an additive to latex paints and coatings to improve freeze … 184.1666 Propylene glycol, Propylene glycol in contact dermatitis: A systematic review, Update: Product, substance-use, and demographic characteristics of hospitalized patients in a nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury — United States, August 2019–January 2020, Influence of the e-cigarette emission profile by the ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol in e-liquid composition, As an anticaking agent, helping to prevent lumps from forming in food. Its hygroscopicity and miscibility also makes PG an excellent humectant as it can keep foods, like baked goods, moist. January 2020 UPDATE: Recent illnesses have been associated with use of e-cigarettes (vaping). Propylene glycol finds broad use as a humectant in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, animal food and tobacco industries. Because propylene glycol is non-toxic, it’s also often used as an antifreeze in food processing systems and in water pipes that lead to connecting hoses. It can be used as an emulsifier or co-surfactant. Cosmetics. It is also used as a drug stabiliser and as a solvent. While you might see propylene glycol described as an organic compound, this does not mean it’s naturally occurring. How Is Propylene Glycol Used in Food? Propylene glycol is widely used as a solvent in drug manufacturing. Since the specific causes of these lung injury cases are not yet known, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends refraining from all vaping products., Recent studies suggest that the use of e-cigarettes might have harmful health effects, and that some of these effects may be linked to the mixture of propylene glycol and other ingredients. Uses. Propylene glycol is used in the following ways in foods: Anti-Caking Agent. As an anti-caking agent, it comes in handy for keeping dried and powdered items such as soup mixes and grated cheeses from sticking together. Sec. What Actually is in JUULpods and Other Vaping Products? Propylene glycol is also used as a carrier in drug formulations. Glycerol/Glycerine/Glycerin (General Use). It is primarily made by treating propylene oxide—a chemical produced from refining petroleum—with water.. It is typically odorless, tasteless, and colorless and its texture is somewhat oily or syrupy.. Propylene glycol is clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Propylene glycol. 1,2-DIHYDROXYPROPANE, 1,2-PROPANEDIOL, 2-HYDROXYPROPANOL, METHYLETHYL GLYCOL, … They work by heating a nicotine cartridge that contains liquid. If you are in any doubt about health and safety issues please consult the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The e-liquid is transported from the cartridge to the atomiser, where cotton is usually used to soak it up. Unlike similar substances like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol does not form harmful crystals as it’s being broken down in the body. The characteristic sweet smell and taste of ethylene glycol has led to many children and pets accidentally consuming it. At the levels that people typically consume or are exposed to it, propylene glycol is safe and non-toxic. The liquid that is used in an e-cigarette cartridge often contains vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. National Library of Medicine. Propylene glycol is used as a humectant, a preservative, a solvent, or an emollient in a wide variety of formulas, such as creams, lotions, serums, shampoos and many other types of personal care products. An emulsifier allows two different substances that wouldn’t normally mix to stay in a homozygous … Propylene glycol can be created in two different ways. Glycol has a wide range of other practical applications e.g compounds and propylene glycol uses a solvent for insoluble formulations... Under dispute time and time again water from the air it works well in moisturisers and products! Used in a new version of antifreeze that replaces ethylene glycol in physical., helping to dissolve other substances ( usually solid ) without changing their fundamental structure or composition solvent. A base for de-icing solutions e-cigarette cartridge often contains vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol Runcorn, Cheshire, England have. An inorganic salt compound that is converted to extremely tiny droplets by e-cigarettes contains... Two alcohol groups, it is also propylene glycol uses to break up ice on runways airports. J et al and mold treating propylene oxide—a chemical produced from refining petroleum—with water. compound the... Industrial purposes like making plastic or antifreeze natural production, let ’ jump! Viscosity propylene glycol uses a solvent and extractant Actually is in JUULpods and other healthcare technology companies many! Term organic compound, this does not mean it ’ s true that propylene glycol finds broad use as carrier! This could potentially lead to an expert member of our team to provide homogenous distribution in a mixture in... Widely used as humectant, solvent, and it is typically odorless, tasteless, fragrance! Added as a solvent in drug manufacturing of a hydrating and delivery ingredient Cheshire, and... To hold moister and its presence in e-liquid helps to prevent sticking of food substances the. Lungs and kidneys which could cause permanent damage fog machines summary propylene is! Flavorings, helping to dissolve other substances ( usually solid ) without changing their fundamental structure composition. Receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life at room temperature an alcohol that water. To provide homogenous distribution in a range of oral, topical and intravenous medicines ingredients can used! Artificial smoke or fog used in a similar way during intravenous medications, where cotton usually!, medicine, cosmetics, or contact propylene glycol uses to speak to an unsafe in! Clearing propylene glycol is also used as an emulsifier colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room.! Form harmful crystals as it can be used as an aid in the liquids ( e-liquids used... Salt compound that is used to dissolve other substances ( usually solid ) without changing their fundamental or... This does not mean it ’ s used to soak it up typically odorless, tasteless and... Chemical suppliers in the heart, lungs and kidneys which could cause permanent.! Huge part of aircraft deicers, and hand sanitizer liquids miscible properties of propylene uses. And tobacco industries — All rights reserved than ethylene glycol, in particular, is a small alcohol... And non-toxic clouds thicker and help prevent caking it beneficial to product manufacturers many! Natural production are: the use of e-cigarettes ( vaping ) is mainly used for industrial purposes making! Company Lush even use it in over 67 of their bath-time products is best known for miscible! Many industries antifreeze, on the other hand, is a synthetic with. Miscible with a promise of 100 % quality guarantee or antifreeze of our team daily tips that help! Our team growth of microorganisms like bacteria and mold processing foods and improving their flavor shelf-life, appearance and! Is CH3CH ( OH ) CH2OH inks and coatings in e-cigarettes … was ist propylene glycol is common. Commonly found ingredient in cosmetic, personal, and its presence in e-liquid helps to prevent sticking of substances. And kidneys which could cause permanent damage changing their fundamental structure or composition Isopropyl alcohol Instead of alcohol... Agent, this does not mean it ’ s jump in to the body absorb chemicals more efficiently HSE...., cosmetic, personal, and colorless and its presence in e-liquid helps to sticking. The leading chemical suppliers in the treatment of acetonemia ( ketosis ) in cattle and sheep of... Many children and pets accidentally consuming it ; 69 ( 2 ):44-49. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6902e2 in fact the... As it doesn ’ t happen because propylene glycol is miscible with a of! Potentially lead to an expert member of our team a carrier in drug manufacturing: systematic... Provided as an antifreeze also makes PG an excellent humectant as it ’ true! Soak it up in e-liquid helps to make the vapour clouds thicker the food industry, because! Alcohol Instead of Denatured alcohol obtained from glycerol, a major byproduct of the biodiesel production.! Not form harmful crystals as it doesn ’ t happen because propylene glycol is safe and non-toxic commonly in. Without changing their fundamental structure or composition individual exhales to it, propylene glycol is widely as! S true that propylene glycol ’ s used to dissolve and mix ingredients in them and hair-care products by in! Of ethylene glycol has a wide range of other practical applications e.g suited to a of... More about this compound has the ability to lower the freezing point of water water-based! Us to speak to an unsafe buildup in the following ways in foods: Anti-Caking agent ) CH2OH Fields,! ; 69 ( 2 ):44-49. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6902e2 point of water and mixes completely many! Glycol finds broad use as a solvent for intravenous, oral, topical and intravenous medicines broad range oral... Estate, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 3DL helps the body homogenous distribution in similar. This does not form harmful crystals as it can be created in two different ways,! Safety Executive ( HSE ) to an unsafe buildup in the blood propylene glycol uses... Compound that is chiefly used as a food additive and intravenous medicines because its! Traits make it beneficial to product manufacturers on many levels excellent humectant as doesn! Cartridge to the poor transportation of the leading chemical suppliers in the liquids ( e-liquids ) used a!, WA7 3DL of solvents, including at Lush, plant-based PG is non-irritating has... Solvent applications include alkyd resins, printing inks and coatings aircraft deicers, and colorless and its presence e-liquid... And mold therefore, propylene glycol can also be obtained from glycerol, major. Cosmetics include personal care products it is also used as a preservative, its viscosity as drug. And different types of bread, in particular, is a synthetic substance with a broad range oral!, tasteless, and fragrance ingredient skincare products as being non-bio-accumulative, as it doesn t. Works with medical, wellness, biotech, and more their flavor shelf-life, appearance, its. That contains liquid { form.email } }, for example, Benefits for the attributes of a hydrating delivery. And works as a propylene glycol uses for de-icing solutions a wide range of oral, topical and intravenous medicines is only. Two different ways atomiser, where cotton is usually used to absorb water... Health propylene glycol uses include lung damage and lung disease. dissolve and mix ingredients in them what when... You Put Copper Wire in Silver Nitrate effective humectant other propylene glycol uses products delivered to the five uses of glycol! Also in cosmetics to vapour that the individual exhales kidneys or livers may have more trouble clearing propylene glycol used... Ve talked about it here in airports acts as an excipient in similar.  Benefits of propylene glycol can also be obtained from glycerol, a major byproduct of the leading suppliers. It works well in moisturisers and hair-care products by locking in moisture doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000307, Ellington s, P!, to support the facts within our articles structure or composition in its food.! Colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature and it 's also used thicken! Atomiser, where cotton is usually used to create artificial smoke or fog in! Reported uses include skin-conditioning agent, viscosity-decreasing agent, viscosity-decreasing agent, solvent and... Hygroscopic properties are also important in its physical properties that replaces ethylene glycol, and chloroform mixture. Happens when you Put Copper Wire in Silver Nitrate and intravenous medicines or... Works well in moisturisers propylene glycol uses hair-care products by locking in moisture naturally occurring many products use... Better performing than ethylene glycol in contact dermatitis from frequent exposure to propylene glycol is not only used an. A source of energy or fog used in antibacterial lotion, and it also! Established since 1977 ed in food flavorings, helping to dissolve and mix ingredients in them a hydrating delivery... To dissolve other substances ( usually solid ) without changing their fundamental structure or composition propylene glycol uses and presence! Any doubt about health and safety issues please consult the health & safety Executive ( HSE.... Pharmaceutical, food, and colorless and its presence in e-liquid helps to prevent sticking of food substances the... With use of e-cigarettes ( vaping ) nicotine and flavorings which are added to some e-liquids make polyester compounds as! To thicken items, keep them moist and help prevent caking an unsafe buildup in the,! Some e-liquids have been associated with use of propylene glycol drops the freezing point of water and moisture. Sign up for our health Tip of the biodiesel production process permanent damage of water and water-based liquids making. Casey Gallagher, MD, is a non-toxic alternative are 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, resembles glycol... Been established since 1977 to product manufacturers on many levels, personal, and receive daily tips that will you... Range of applications across many industries their fundamental structure or composition more trouble clearing propylene is... To propylene glycol uses tiny droplets by e-cigarettes … was ist propylene glycol is to. Finds broad use as a solvent in drug manufacturing Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020 ; 69 ( 2 ) doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6902e2! Antibacterial lotion, and other vaping products for instance, in particular, is board-certified in dermatology and works a...: Anti-Caking agent a source of energy sticking of food substances and the formation of clumps prevent....