Ingredient · Updated
Propylene Glycol
Found in 23 productsSee all
Zoviro Hand Sanitizer Wipes Tea Tree Scent 
Madona Hand Sanitizer 
SmartCare Hand Sanitizer - 33.0 oz 
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion Retinol Face and Body Lotion with Peptide Complex 
Kiehl's Since 1851 Creme de Corps Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter 
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Natural Dishwasher Detergent Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented) 
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla 
SMELLS BEGONE 15oz Odor Absorber Gel Air Freshener Lavender Vanilla What is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. It is mainly produced from petroleum products and is commonly used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
It's used as a solvent, humectant, and preservative, helping to retain moisture and dissolve active ingredients. The safety of propylene glycol is generally accepted, but some people can experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
When you see Propylene Glycol on a label, it indicates its role as a moisture-retaining agent and solvent. The concentration and formulation type influence its effects and safety.
Commonly found in: Body Lotion, Deodorant, Skin Care, Whitening Products, Hand Sanitizer
What to watch
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- High doses or frequent exposure can lead to allergic reactions.
Benefits
- Helps maintain moisture in cosmetic products.
- Enhances the absorption of ingredients in topical applications.
Propylene glycol is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Research indicates generally low toxicity, but some studies highlight potential skin irritation and allergic responses.
Propylene Glycol is not derived from animal sources and is considered vegan.
Sources: GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database
Scout's take
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
The case against
It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla · echoed in 2 other analysesIn large amounts, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
from the analysis of SMELLS BEGONE 15oz Odor Absorber Gel Air Freshener Lavender VanillaThere are minimal risks associated with Propylene Glycol.
from the analysis of Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion Retinol Face and Body Lotion with Peptide ComplexIn rare cases, it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
from the analysis of Kiehl's Since 1851 Creme de Corps Body Lotion with Cocoa ButterHigh concentrations can cause skin irritation.
from the analysis of Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Natural Dishwasher Detergent Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)The case for
It helps to maintain the moisture content of the gel, ensuring it remains effective over time.
from the analysis of SMELLS BEGONE 15oz Odor Absorber Gel Air Freshener Lavender VanillaIt helps to keep the skin hydrated and enhances the absorption of other ingredients.
from the analysis of Kiehl's Since 1851 Creme de Corps Body Lotion with Cocoa ButterIt helps to maintain the stability and consistency of the detergent formula.
from the analysis of Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Natural Dishwasher Detergent Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)Propylene glycol helps to keep the skin hydrated by attracting water.
from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian VanillaIt helps in retaining moisture and improving product texture.
from the analysis of Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion Retinol Face and Body Lotion with Peptide ComplexMore from Scout's analyses
Petroleum-derived humectant. Common irritant and allergen, especially with frequent application. Cleaner brands use glycerin alone.
from the analysis of AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid LotionPetrochemical-derived humectant/solvent. Common irritant for sensitive skin; flagged on EWG and Skin Deep watchlists.
from the analysis of Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Cucumber & Green TeaPropylene glycol is a synthetic humectant and penetration enhancer. It can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and increases the skin absorption of other ingredients, including the carcinogen contamination here.
from the analysis of CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4% Benzoyl Peroxide)All 23 products with Propylene Glycol
Where Propylene Glycol shows up
- Hand Sanitizer 6 products
- Deodorant 6 products
- Body Lotion 5 products
- Skin Care 2 products
- Dishwasher 1 product
- Air Fresheners 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Propylene Glycol
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Propylene Glycol, scoring 80 or above.
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