Why is Propylene Glycol used in cosmetics and is it safe?
Propylene glycol is an ingredient used in numerous cosmetics and toiletries. It is also used as a powerful solvent to prevent creams from drying out. Propylene glycol is a petrochemical derivative and has been shown to cause allergies. Propylene glycol is not used in any products created by The Purist Company.
Propylene glycol is an ingredient in numerous cosmetics and toiletries. It is a humectant, which attracts water to itself and prevents creams from drying out. It is also a solvent. In fact, most herbs are extracted into propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a petrochemical derivative – it is a primary irritant and can cause delayed contact hypersensitivity.It is commonly used instead of glycerin or sorbitol, both particularly innocuous and highly effective plant-derived humectants, because it is cheap. Consumers who are concerned about allergies and sensitivities to cosmetics would be well advised to avoid products containing propylene glycol, choosing instead those which use glycerin or sorbitol.
