Propylene glycol

Other names: Propylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol

Propylene glycol, otherwise known as propylene glycol or 1,2-propanediol, is an organic compound that is widely used in industry. It is a colourless, almost odourless, slightly sweet liquid that is fully miscible with water, chloroform and acetone. Propylene glycol is derived from propylene, one of the by-products obtained from the processing of natural gas and petroleum. It finds applications in many fields, for example in the food industry, where it is used as a solvent for food colourings and flavourings or as a humectant and thickening agent.

Outside the food industry, propylene glycol is also used in medicine, where it helps to improve the stability of drugs, especially those administered orally or in solution. As an ingredient in cosmetic products, it provides, for example, moisturisation and improved texture in various creams, masks, shampoos and other preparations. In the automotive industry, propylene glycol's low pour point makes it suitable for the production of antifreeze. In the construction industry, propylene glycol is a component of coatings and adhesives, and in the electronics industry it is used in the manufacture of capacitors. Despite this wide range of applications, according to current scientific studies, it is considered a safe substance when used as prescribed and without oversaturation.