Is propylene glycol safe as an excipient?
Propylene glycol is a derivative of natural gas commonly used in consumer and food products, including deodorants, pharmaceuticals, moisturizing lotions, fat-free ice cream, and sour cream products. Propylene glycol has gotten a bad rap as an ingredient because of its use in products not fit for consumption (think antifreeze). While well-intended, these conclusions are ultimately inaccurate. Propylene Glycol is on not only the US Food and Drug Administration’s list of ingredients Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), it is recognized by the World Health Organization as safe for use. While propylene glycol is found in some antifreeze, its not the toxic antifreeze form. Ethylene glycol, however, also commonly used in antifreeze, is a highly toxic! In fact, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) actually recommends the use of propylene glycol-based antifreeze because it is safer than ethylene glycol should pets accidentally ingest it. Propylene glycol has com
