A while ago, I posted an entry on propylene glycol. Because it’s included in such a range of cosmetics products and there is so much misinformation regarding its application, I felt it worth revisiting.
First of all, it’s important to understand that propylene glycol has been used safely for years in cosmetic preparations. In addition to its humectant (moisturizing) properties, it is added to products to help increase the absorption of other skin active ingredients. While you’ll find a myriad of Internet sites listing the evils of using propylene glycol, keep in mind that scientists and toxicologists do not have any concerns when it is used at low concentration in topical formulations. In fact, it is regarded as being ‘generally safe’. You will find many ‘natural’ companies warning about the health consequences of propylene glycol – almost always to get you to buy their propylene glycol free version.
As far as I can ascertain, the majority of scientific opinion that I trust regards propylene glycol as being safe when used in cosmetic products. I see no reason to question these findings.
