A Tip Sheet to Propylene Glycol

WHAT IS IT? A humectant, which keeps a product moist. Propylene glycol is found in antiperspirants, creams, makeup, mouthwashes, suntan lotions, and toothpaste, as well as foods and antifreeze. It's also known as 1,2-propanediol.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? Petrochemicals.

IS IT SAFE? The federal National Toxicology Program, which collects health and safety data on chemicals, calls propylene glycol both a skin and eye irritant. Another federal agency, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, considers propylene oxide, used to make propylene glycol, a likely carcinogen.

LOVED OR LOATHED? Many conventional bodycare companies use propylene glycol; vegetable-derived humectants are an alternative.

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