Propylene glycol

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Where is Propylene glycol found?

Propylene glycol is used as a softening agent, preservative, humectants, and solvent in cosmetics, fragrances, topical medications, soaps and cleansers, hair care products, and deodorants. Propylene glycol is also found in oral treatments as well as many foods. It is also added during the manufacture of many industrial fluids, such as solvents, thinners, antifreeze, other de-icing fluids, desiccants, brake fluids, and polyester resins.

How can you avoid contact with Propylene glycol?

Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients:

• Propylene glycol
• 1,2-Propanediol
• 1,2-Dihydroxypropane
• 2-Hydroxypropanol
• EINECS 200-338-0
• EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 068603
• Isopropylene glycol
• Methylethyl glycol

What are some products that may contain Propylene glycol?

A clinician's point of view.

Propylene glycol is also found in air fresheners, such as Glade Premium Room Sprays. It is also in some food colorings, vanilla flavor, ice cream, and eye lubricant drops.

At times it can be added to packaged or processed foods, especially any that are thick liquids, creams, icings, sauces, etc, but in those cases it will listed as an ingredient. Also, if a food lists "natural flavors", "natural flavoring", "artificial flavor", or "artificial flavoring", the flavoring can contain propylene glycol that would not be separately listed as an ingredient - in foods with these ingredients listed there is no way to find out for certain if the the food contains propylene glycol or not. Finally, some beers may contain propylene glycol and beers do not have to list it as an ingredient.

Additional resources and links for Propylene glycol.

To submit resources or links, please fill out the submission form at the top of this page.

For additional information about products that might contain Propylene glycol, visit the Consumer Product Information Database. These lists are brief and provide just a few examples. They are not comprehensive. Product formulations also change frequently. Read product labels carefully and talk to your doctor if you have any questions. These are general guidelines. Talk to your doctor for more specific instructions.