subject: A Detailed Look at Propylene Glycol [print this page] A Detailed Look at Propylene Glycol A Detailed Look at Propylene Glycol
Most of us may have heard of the toxic claims of the notorious ingredient propylene glycol. It is commonly used in many personal care products as a cheap form of humectant. Many argue that propylene glycol is a toxic carcinogenic chemical, but companies which uses this ingredient claims it is safe to use.
So what is true? Is propylene glycol as cancerous and toxic as most of us claim, or is it just hype?
Lets take a closer look at this chemical.
Propylene glycol is a colorless, nearly odorless, syrupy liquid that is derived from natural gas. In its purest form, it is used as the active agent in anti-freeze and automatic brake fluid. You'll find it commonly used in dozens of products around your home, shampoos, skincare, makeup.. but more alarming, you'll find it commonly used with your mechanic.
It's used as
- Wetting agent for natural gums to simplify compounding
- a solvent in acrylics, stains, inks and dyes, and in cellophane
- Raw material to produce high-performance unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) used for marine construction, gel coats, sheet molding compounds and synthetic marble castings
- Chemical intermediate in the production of resins for paints and varnishes
- Solutions with water to make antifreeze, heat-transfer fluids and aircraft and runway deicing fluids
- Solvent in printing inks
- Solvent and enzyme stabilizer in laundry detergents
- Stabilizer in hydraulic fluids
- Plasticizer to improve the processability of plastics
Since propylene glycol is so effective to use and so cheap to manufacture, it has become a very common ingredient for many products.
Now the big question, is it safe to use on our bodies?
The FDA says its safe for use in personal care products such as cosmetics, skin care and toothpaste etc. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry on the other hand says propylene glycol is less toxic than ethylene glycol, but toxic enough to cause harm to the body.Click here to continue reading and find out whether propylene glycol is a safe ingredient to use in personal care skin care and cosmetic products and if it causes harm to our bodies.
Click here to continue reading and find out whether propylene glycol is a safe ingredient to use in personal care skin care and cosmetic products and if it causes harm to our bodies.
