Additives in food are as ubiquitous as they are nebulous. In our PrimaFoodie Ingredients Spotlight, we investigate common food additives to discover their origin, use, and purpose. Because just because something is edible doesn’t mean it’s healthy—or necessary.

What Is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless synthetic liquid used as an additive in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It’s made by treating propylene oxide, a byproduct of refined petroleum, with chlorinated water. Some manufacturers create a slightly different form of propylene glycol by extracting it from glycerol, which comes from biodiesel production, for use in antifreeze and plastics.

What Is Propylene Glycol Used For?

Touted by manufacturers for its water-absorbing capabilities, propylene generally aids in emulsifying and preserving foods and enhancing the conditioning aspects of shampoos, lotions, face creams, and other topical products. But a closer look reveals the myriad of different ways it lands in food and products. These include:

As a solvent for helping food ingredients mix
As a food and personal care product preservative (propylene glycol has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent molds and bacteria)
As a thickener for sauces and personal care products
As a moisture-preserver in foods and a humectant and emollient in cosmetics and lotions
As a flavor enhancer

Propylene glycol is also the main component of the artificial “smoke” from e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Where Is It Found?

Given the long list of uses for propylene glycol in foods and products, this additive is everywhere. It’s safe to say that most conventional processed foods contain it in some form.

Some of the most common propylene glycol-containing products include:

FOOD:

Dried and canned soups
Gravies
Packaged meals
Dried and canned vegetables
Fast foods
Packaged cheeses
Alcohol
Packaged snack foods
Bottle teas and juices
Sodas
Ice creams
Salad dressings
Condiments

PERSONAL CARE:

Face creams, lotions, and serums
Body lotions
Shampoos and conditioners
Face washes and toners
Deodorants

Is Propylene Glycol Bad?

The FDA approves the use of propylene glycol in food, cosmetics, and other products, deeming it safe within certain limits for certain items (outlined here). Google propylene glycol and mixed information regarding its allowance in Europe will show when, in fact, the EU does allow its use but in stricter variances.

Studies have shown potential health risks associated with propylene glycol when consumed in high concentrations. Some research shows the additive can impact the nervous system, dermis, eyes, and kidneys and can potentially cause headaches and dizziness.

The PrimaFoodie Take on Propylene Glycol

Sure, this additive may be FDA approved and deemed safe—but to what end? Sadly, we know the FDA does not have our best health in mind, so we must second guess any additive the federal organization approves. And even if something is deemed safe, when we consistently consume something artificial, this can lead to its accumulation in our bodies, which can have grave effects.

Our take? We avoid propylene glycol. The fact that it’s widely used in plastic, anti-freeze, and food makes us shiver. It’s artificial, derived partially from petroleum, and a total chemical additive mainly created to make food last longer on the shelves and seem more palatable.

What are your thoughts or questions about propylene glycol? We’d love to know, so send a note to empowered@primafoodie.com.