Propylene Glycol
in the wee hours of June 28th, 2007There has been a great deal of controversy over Propylene Glycol and the chances are you have been ingesting or absorbing it for a number of years. That doesn’t necessarily mean its safe. I will remain non partisan but on saying that, you won’t find anything in my bathroom cabinet that contains PG. The best advice I can offer is to understand what you are using and exposing your family to and make an educated choice. The lists below are far from comprehensive so you should exercise due diligence.
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humectant, this causes retention of moisture content in skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. It’s also noted as a penetration enhancer. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
You’ll find PG in anything from:
- Food
- Toiletries
- Babycare
- Cosmetics
- makeup
- mascara
- styling mousse
shampoo - Fabric softener
- degreasers
- tyre sealants
- adhesives
- wall paper stripper
- stain removers
- rubber cleaners
- de-icers etc.
You’ll also find PG in:
cake mixes, fat free ice cream, sour cream, popcorn
soap, bubble bath, deodorant, cleansing cream, aftershave
baby wipes, baby powder

