Propylene glycol is an organic compound (a diol alcohol); it's usually a faintly sweet, odorless, and colorless clear viscous liquid. It has a number of uses among a variety of industries and common products, including:
- As a moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, toothpaste, mouth wash, and tobacco products
- In electronic cigarettes to make the produced vapor better resemble cigarette smoke
- As a medical and sexual lubricant (A.K.A. "personal lubricant")
- As an emulsification agent in Angostura and orange bitters
- As a solvent for food colors and flavorings
- As a humectant food additive, labeled as E number E1520
- As a carrier in fragrance oils
- As a less-toxic antifreeze
- As a solvent used in mixing photographic chemicals, such as film developers
- In smoke machines to make artificial smoke for use in firefighters' training and theatrical productions
- In hand sanitizers, antibacterial lotions, and saline solutions
- In cryonics
- As a working fluid in hydraulic presses
- As a coolant in liquid cooling systems
- To regulate humidity in a cigar humidor
- As the killing and preserving agent in pitfall traps, usually used to capture ground beetles
- To treat livestock ketosis
- As the main ingredient in deodorant sticks.
- To deice aircraft.
Is it safe?
The FDA has categorized Proylene Glycol as "generally regarded as safe," except when used in cat food. However, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as it can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
(Photo credit: SXC)
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