Propylene Glycol

Other Name(s):

Propanediol; 1,3-Propanediol; 1,2-Propanediol; Propane-1,3-diol; Propane-1,2-diol; E 1520; CAS# 57-55-6 (1,2-Propanediol); CAS# 504-63-2 (1,3-Propanediol); PG

Historically, and still quite commonly today, Propylene Glycol was, and is made using a propylene monomer (crude oil/petrochemical derivative) as a starting material. Thankfully, there have been developments in manufacturing Propylene Glycol which use plant-based glycerine as the starting raw material and hydrogen peroxide, eliminating reliance on non-renewable sources.

Benefits: Why is Propylene Glycol used?

Humectant

Propylene Glycol is used to retain moisture in food, medicines, cosmetics.In skincare products it gives the skin a moistured, dewy look.

Solvent

Propylene Glycol is used as a solvent in fragrance and flavouring ingredients.

Gentle

Propylene Glycol is clear, colourless, flavourless and has no fragrance, it is usually well tolerated by the skin.

Enhances Active Ingredients

Propylene Glycol enhances the penetration of ingredients into the skin.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol is one of the most widely used ingredients and can be found in an extremely broad variety of household products from skin care, hair care, cleaning, perfumery, foods, flavourings, health supplements, and medicines.

Production: How is Propylene Glycol Made?

Historically, and still quite commonly today, Propylene Glycol is made via the chlorohydrin process which involves the use of chlorine, petrochemicals and extremely energy intensive conditions. More advanced methods eliminate harmful byproducts and pollutants. These more modern methods of making Propylene Glycol use a peroxidation processing of glycerine to achieve the same result.

Interesting Fact: Propylene Glycol

According to the USFDA’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) from 2019, there are at least 14 395 cosmetic products containing Propylene Glycol made in the US. But the true number of products containing the substance is vastly higher because it is also used extensively in factory foods and medicines.

The raw material (glycerine) used in the production of the more modern, COSMOS approved Propylene Glycol variants is typically the byproduct of biodiesel production.

Propylene Glycol is used as an inactive ingredient in a number of FDA-approved drug products. It has been approved at concentrations up to 98.09% in topical drugs and 92% in oral solutions.

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Propylene Glycol is 0-25 mg/kg bw. We ensure that appropriate serving sizes for foods do not exceed this amount of Propylene Glycol for the average adult.

Propylene Glycol is used in cigarette alternatives (‘vape pens’ and ‘vape juice’) and is associated with harmful effects on the respiratory system. We don’t list any aerosol or air freshener products which contain Propylene Glycol.