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Basic Facts about Propylene Glycol

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*The above is a general picture and should not be used as a propylene glycol identifier. The following is general information regarding propylene glycol. Additional information can be obtained by the sites listed below as well as many other fact-based informational sites.

What is Propylene Glycol?

  • Propylene glycol is a man-made synthetic liquid substance used to absorb water
  • It is basically odorless, tasteless and colorless
  • The FDA has classified propylene glycol as an additive
  • It is used by chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries
  • The use is to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in food, medicines, and cosmetics
  • It is a solvent for food coloring and flavoring
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as “generally recognized as safe,” which means that it is acceptable for use in flavorings, drugs, and cosmetics, and as a direct food additive
  • According to the World Health Organization, the acceptable dietary intake of propylene glycol is 25 mg of propylene glycol for every kilogram (kg) of body weight

Other names for Propylene Glycol

  • Trimethyl glycol
  • Methyl ethyl glycol
  • 1,2-dihydroxypropane
  • 1,2-propanediol

How does Propylene Glycol enter your body?

Propylene glycol can enter through your bloodstream by:

  • Consuming it
  • Breathing it in
  • Rubbing it on your skin

Why is Propylene Glycol used?

  • Helps keep food such as baked goods moist
  • Enhances the look of food through food coloring
  • Extends shelf-life of food
  • Used as an antifreeze
  • Maintains consistency, moisture and texture

Where Propylene Glycol is used include

  • Additive in foods
  • In acetaminophen, aspirin, amoxicillin, and many other pharmaceutical products,
  • Vaping products
  • Used to create artificial smoke and fog
  • Found in many skin and beauty products
  • Soaps, detergents, and cleaning products
  • Air fresheners
  • Antifreeze used in cars, planes and boats
  • Desserts, candy, popcorn, soft drinks, etc.
  • Pet foods
  • Mixed in cow feed to prevent disease

Some foods that contain Propylene Glycol include

  • Salad dressing
  • Soft drinks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Powered drink mixes
  • Food coloring
  • Flavoring extracts
  • Fast foods
  • Highly processed foods and snacks
  • Flavoring in things such as popcorn
  • Cake frosting
  • Cake mixes
  • Ice cream flavors
  • Dried soups
  • Seasoning
  • Baked desserts mass produced
  • Potato salad
  • Sour cream 
  • Sauces

This is only a partial list.

Unfortunately, it is up to the consumer to investigate all in the products they buy.

Potential risks of too much Propylene Glycol in our system

  • Allergic reactions
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Seizures

Even a small about of propylene glycol can have a negative effect on some individuals.

Testing for propylene glycol is not routine. It tends to break down very quickly, so it may be difficult to detect.

An allergy patch test can be performed. The test should be done by a trained professional due to severe reactions that may occur.

Be aware of what is in the food and products you use

Medlineplus.com is a good source for medication information.

Another reliable source is the FDA website: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov. You can research inactive medication ingredients on this site.

There are many popular ingredient transparency platforms:

  • Think Dirty
  • EWG
  • Yuka
  • SkinSAFE

SkinSAFE (formerly known as CARD – the Contact Allergen Replacement Database) is the first ingredient transparency and product recommendation platform which is powered by real science and clinical data in partnership with Mayo Clinic. It is a database app of skin care products listed based on ingredients you input. It is a label reader to verify that the ingredients in a product are safe for you.

*Awareness and precautions are always necessary whenever using any app.

Sources used:

  1. Medlineplus.gov, Propylene Glycol, accessed November 18, 2024.
  2. WebMD, What is Propylene Glycol, accessed November 18, 2024.
  3. CDC.gov, Propylene Glycol, accessed November 18, 2024.
  4. National Library of  Medicine, Propylene Glycol, National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 1030, Propylene Glycol. Retrieved November 19, 2024 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Propylene-Glycol; AMA
    National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 1030, Propylene Glycol. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Propylene-Glycol, 

     accessed November 19, 2024

  5. Mayo Clinic: SkinSafe App, accessed November 19, 2024

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Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.

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