What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol is a synthetic liquid used in a wide range of applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and manufacturing industries. It is an alcohol that absorbs water and mixes with many solvents, made primarily made by treating propylene oxide from refining petroleum with water.

It is used to absorb extra water and retain moisture in medicines, cosmetics, or foods. As a solvent, it is used in the food, paint, and plastic industries. Also, propylene glycol is used in theatrical productions and firefighting training to simulate smoke or fog.

Major Application Areas

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol USP/EP is used as a non-active enabling agent, also known as an excipient. As an agent, it carries flavors in food and beverages, helps retain taste and moisture in pet and livestock feed, and acts as a carrier of active ingredients found in cough syrup and gel capsules.

Industrial

Industrial-grade propylene glycol is used as a heat-transfer medium that protects against pressure bursts and corrosion, controls viscosity, and dissolves active agents.

Industrial propylene glycol is also used in paints and coatings for wear and weather protection, as an aircraft in liquid detergents, and antifreeze, and as a solvent in printing ink.

As a basic building block, it is used in its raw form to make formable plastics like unsaturated polyester resins. The resins are used in windmill blades, furniture, marine construction, gel coats, synthetic marble coatings, and sheet molding compound and for heavy-impact surfaces such as floors.

In Cosmetics.

As a Deodorant Alternative: Propylene glycol can serve as a deodorant alternative because it works by absorbing moisture. This means that it will not leave any residue behind after use.

It can also be used as a solvent in nail polish removers.

Propylene glycol keeps personal care products consistent, soft, and moist. This includes deodorant sticks, sunscreen, shampoos, body lotions, face creams, and lipstick. Additionally, it works as an excipient to stabilize foam in personal care and health care products.

As a Food Additive.

Propylene glycol is commonly used as a food additive because it helps keep foods fresh longer. It is also used as a solvent in cleaning products.

In Medicine.

Propylene glycol can be found in medicine as a solvent. It is often used to dissolve medications such as insulin and antibiotics.

As a Fuel Additive.

Propylene glycol is also commonly used as a fuel additive. This means that propylene glycol is added to gasoline to make it burn more efficiently.