Moisturizer Ingredients In Skin Care Products: humectant

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol, along with other glycols and glycerol, is a humectant and delivery ingredient used in cosmetics. 100% pure propylene glycol is a strong skin irritant. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on propylene glycol warns users to avoid skin contact because systemically (in the body) it can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. However, it is so far from the reality of cosmetic formulations that almost none of it poses real concern. It is important to realize that the MSDS are talking about 100% concentrations of a substance. Even water and salt have frightening comments regarding their safety according to their MSDSs. In cosmetics, propylene glycol is used only in the smallest amounts to keep products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold. It also helps active ingredients penetrate the skin. In the minute amounts used in cosmetics, it is not a concern in the least. Women are not suffering from liver problems because of propylene glycol in cosmetics. And finally, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, studies have not shown these chemicals –propylene or the other glycols — as used in cosmetics to be carcinogens”.