Glycol Propylene-Hazardous to your Health. It's in EVERYTHING!

What is propylene glycol?

It is is a chemical found in personal care products that acts as a penetration enhancer that keeps products from melting in heat and/or freezing when it is cold. It is found in items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, acne treatment, moisturizer, toothpaste, deodorant, nail polish, mascara; basically anything you could possibly use on your body, propylene glycol is in it. 

Why should you avoid propylene glycol?

For starters it alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream. Sounds lovely, right? So even if propylene glycol was good for you, it’s main job is to help any other chemicals you come in contact with reach your bloodstream. Who wants to use a chemical designed to help other chemicals penetrate even deeper into your skin? Not me.

However, there is even more to it than just that…

How Toxic is Propylene Glycol

According to the Environmental Working Group, propylene glycol can cause a whole host of problems. It is rated a 3 by them, which is categorized as a “moderate” health issue. It has been shown to be linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive issues, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and organ system toxicity. It has been found to provoke skin irritation and sensitization in humans as low as 2% concentration, while the industry review panel recommends cosmetics can contain up to 50% of the substance. It has also been classified as “expected to be toxic or harmful” by Environment Canada.Side Effects

Side Effects

The side effects of this common product include irritation and sensitivity to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, according to the Scholar Chemistry Material Safety Data.

REDNESS, TEARING, ITCHING AND BURNING

Propylene glycol, an alcohol-based formula, combines with cosmetics and toiletries to assist these products in retaining moisture for application ease and prolonged shelf life. However, according to the International Program on Chemical Safety, INCHEM, side effects occur with prolonged or direct contact with the eyes. These side effects include redness, tearing, burning, itching and conjunctivitis. Liquid eye solutions may have greater amounts of propylene glycol as re-wetting agents. Other solutions for symptoms of dry eyes are also liquid medications, and the FDA notes that consumers should be aware of adverse side effects from prolonged or excessive eye exposure in sensitive eyes.

IRRITATION, NAUSEA, COUGHING AND WHEEZING

Propylene glycol is found in shampoos, deodorants, skin care lotions and room deodorizers. Normal use of these products is not dangerous or toxic to the skin or airways. However, prolonged or excessive application can cause redness and itching to sensitive skin. Ingestion of propylene glycol could cause irritation, burning sensations to the throat and mouth, nausea and vomiting. The side effects of prolonged inhalation of propylene glycol found in room deodorizers can cause irritation of the mucous membranes, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It should be noted that regular use of skin lotions and cosmetics have no reported side effects in persons without skin sensitivities, according to the Scholar Chemistry website.

INFANTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN

Propylene glycol enters the body as an alcohol and metabolizes in the body's enzyme pathways. These pathways do not mature in humans until 12 to 30 months of age. Infants and children below the age of 4 years, pregnant women and those with kidney dysfunction or in renal failure are not able to eliminate propylene glycol in the body. According to the FDA, this inability to process and eliminate this product causes potential adverse reactions in infants and pregnant women as well as those with kidney problems. Amprenavir, an antiviral oral solution provided to patients through intravenous injection, can result in toxicity similar to alcoholintoxication. Since patients are often unaware of the volume of fluids in hospital intravenous medications, this particular generic solution can cause adverse side effects.

How to Spot Propylene Glycol

When looking at ingredient lists, you can look for names like 1,2-Dihydroxypropane; 2-Hydroxypropanol; Methylethy Glycol; 1,2-Propanediol; Propane-1,2-Diol. Some popular products that contain propylene glycol include:

• Biolage by Matrix Conditioning Balm
• Nivea for Men Hair & Body Wash, Sensitive
• Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Overnight Cream
• Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant, Unscented
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer For All Skin Types

So take a look at the ingredients of the products that you use and search for propylene glycol or the other names it is often called/listed as. I try my best to only use safe, natural products, but I am always reading labels in the store before I purchase anything. Chances are there is a safe alternative to a toxic favorite. Next time you are shopping for a personal care item, be sure to remember what propylene glycol is and do your best to avoid it!

Another point of view.

http://www.tomsofmaine.com/research/ingredients/ingredient-detail/propylene-glycol