Propylene glycol has been used in a variety of food and industrial goods. However, it has been under scrutiny from environmentalists and other concerned citizens because of its perceived health dangers. Some consumers and websites promote that propylene glycol is an unpleasant, carcinogenic chemical that has been wrongly approved for use by the US FDA. The agency and other bureaucratic entities claim that these fears were unfounded. A lot of people associate this organic alcohol with diethylene glycol (DEG), a common but unhealthy component in automotive antifreeze and a major ingredient.
Fears are further fueled due to reports from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that warns consumers on skin application of propylene glycol. The study classifies propylene glycol is a potential teratogen that causes liver abnormalities and kidney damage. However, it is important to note that this damage is apparent if the concentration used for the body is 100 percent. Even the MSDS noted that salt and water causes body damage.
Despite the grave threats, the finding doesn’t pose any risk for the public. Propylene glycol is absolutely safe when properly used. In cosmetic preparations, propylene glycol is only used in minimal amounts just to prevent products from melting from high heat or freezing in extreme cold. It serves as a vehicle for active ingredients to be penetrated to the skin. Utilized in small amounts, this doesn’t pose any health concern. There were no reports of liver or kidney damage after usage of cosmetic or other toiletry products containing propylene glycol. It is not harmful to marine life either and is biodegradable.
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