It is also used to create artificial smoke.
Propylene glycol is typically odorless, tasteless, and colorless, and its texture is somewhat oily or syrupy.
This article takes a closer look at propylene glycol.
d3sign / Getty Images
d3sign / Getty Images
What Is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene glycol is an alcohol that absorbs water and mixes completely with many solvents.
While you might see propylene glycol described as an organic compound, this does not mean its naturally occurring.
Instead, the term “organic compound” refers to the fact that it contains carbon.
What Is the Composition of Propylene Glycol?
Propylene glycol can be created in two different ways.
It is primarily made by treating propylene oxidea chemical produced from refining petroleumwith water.
Propylene glycol can also be obtained from glycerol, a major byproduct of biodiesel production.
This kind of propylene glycol is mainly used for industrial purposes like making plastic or antifreeze.
Amounts not broken down and metabolized are passed out of the body in urine.
What Else Is Propylene Glycol Used For?
Propylene glycol is used in a variety of products and manufacturing processes.
Pharmaceuticals
Propylene glycol is widely used as a solvent in drug manufacturing.
This means it dissolves other substances (usually solids) without changing their fundamental structure or composition.
Finally, it is used to dilute and stabilize medicines.
Cosmetics
Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in cosmetic, personal, and skin care products.
It makes up a considerable part of aircraft deicers and breaks up ice on airport runways.
To mimic smoke, propylene glycol is converted to extremely tiny droplets by e-cigarettes.
It also functions as a carrier for nicotine and flavorings, which are added to some e-liquids.
January 2020 UPDATE:Recent illnesses have been associated with using e-cigarettes (vaping).
Some of these health risks include lung damage and lung disease.
Is Propylene Glycol Safe?
Some people may experience skin irritation or contact dermatitis from frequent exposure to propylene glycol.
This exposure could be through cosmetic products, food, or topical medications.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Public health statement: Propylene glycol.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.
McGowan MA, Scheman A, Jacob SE.Propylene glycol in contact dermatitis: A systematic review.Dermatitis.
2019;4(8)pp.13338-13348.
