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Propylene Glycol (E 1520) – Effects & Safety

Propylene glycol is a synthetic additive used as a solvent and humectant in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.

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Things worth knowing about "Propylene glycol"

Propylene glycol is a synthetic additive used as a solvent and humectant in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol (chemical name: 1,2-propanediol) is a colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet-tasting liquid belonging to the alcohol group. It is synthetically produced from propylene oxide and is widely used across multiple industries, including food production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and engineering.

As a food additive, propylene glycol is approved in the European Union under the designation E 1520 and is permitted in specific food categories.

Fields of Application

Food

In food products, propylene glycol is used as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for flavors and colorants. It keeps products moist and prevents drying out. Typical applications include:

Baked goods and cake decorations
Flavorings and flavor concentrates
Salad dressings and sauces
Chewing gum and confectionery
Dietary supplements (as a solvent)

Pharmaceuticals

In the pharmaceutical industry, propylene glycol serves as a solubilizer for poorly soluble active ingredients in oral, topical, and intravenous formulations. It is used in injection solutions, creams, ointments, and syrups.

Cosmetics

In cosmetic products such as lotions, shampoos, and deodorants, propylene glycol acts as a humectant and stabilizer. It improves texture and skin compatibility in many products.

Technical Applications

Technically, propylene glycol is used as an antifreeze agent in heating and cooling systems that may come into contact with food (e.g., in food processing), as a hydraulic fluid, and in electronic cigarettes.

Mechanism of Action and Metabolism

After ingestion, propylene glycol is rapidly metabolized in the body, primarily via the liver. The main metabolic products are lactic acid and pyruvic acid, which enter normal energy metabolism. A small proportion is excreted unchanged through the kidneys. At normal intake levels, propylene glycol is generally considered well tolerated.

Safety and Tolerability

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider propylene glycol safe when used as intended. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by EFSA is 25 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

However, excessive intake or use in individuals with impaired kidney function may lead to adverse effects, including:

Dizziness and headaches
Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort
In rare cases: lactic acidosis (elevated lactic acid levels in the blood)
Allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) with topical application

Special caution is warranted for infants, young children, and individuals with kidney or liver disease, as elimination may be slowed in these groups.

Labeling and Regulation

In the EU, propylene glycol must be declared on food ingredient lists as E 1520 or as "propylene glycol." Its use is restricted to certain food categories and is subject to maximum limits. It is not permitted in organic food products.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol (E 1520) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2018.
World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: Propylene Glycol. In: Safety evaluation of certain food additives. WHO Food Additives Series, 2002.
Ziment, I. et al.: Propylene Glycol – Pharmacology and Toxicology. In: Pharmaceutical Sciences Encyclopedia, Wiley, 2010.

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