Industrial Uses: Antifreeze, brake fluid and airplane de-icers
Personal Care Products: Widely used moisture-carrying ingredient in cosmetics and cleansers. It is also found in medications.
Purpose: Delivery vehicle and solvent for cosmetics and medications
When you purchase a drum of propylene glycol from a supplier, that supplier is required to furnish an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). The MSDS for propylene glycol says “Avoid Skin Contact.” We are amazed to find this same product in most skin creams on the market.
Studies suggest that propylene glycol has severe adverse health effects, and has been found to cause contact dermatitis, ototoxicity, kidney damage, and liver abnormalities in various clinical human and animal studies. The effects of propylene glycol are clearly more than skin deep. Propylene glycol has shown measurable toxicity to human cells in culture (Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1987 Jan). It has been shown to inhibit skin cell growth in human tests, and cell respiration in animal tests (J. Pharm Belg 1989 Nov-Dec).
When tested in guinea pigs and chinchillas, eardrops containing propylene glycol cause irreversible deafness (Am J Otolaryngol 1990 jan-feb; Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1989 Jul-Aug ), tissue and bone degradation, and morphological changes to the middle ear.
Propylene glycol caused mytotoxic (skeletal muscular damage) effects in rats (Pharm Res 1989 Sep 21; J Parenter Sci technol 1989 Jul-Aug) and rabbits (Pharm Res 1989 Sep ). PG is reported to directly alter cell membranes ( Hum Reprod 1990 Feb ) to cause contact allergies and dermatitis (Dermatol Clin 1990 Jan).
It also causes skin thickening (Contact Dermatitis) and skin dehydration and chronic surface damage ( Derm Beruf Umwelt 1988 Jul-Aug).
Propylene glycol poisoning has been reported to induce seizures in epileptics (Postgrad Med J 1988 Aug ; Pediatrics 1987 Apr. 1979) and cardio respiratory arrest (Pediatrics 1987 Apr. 1979; Postgrad Med J 1988 Aug). One study “advises caution when propylene glycol is employed as a vehicle in clinical use” (Pharmacology 1989).
In another study on PG ingestion in cats, researchers reported encephalopathy, depression, and ataxia. The similarities of PG consumption in cats and humans was noted, and the report stated: “These findings are significant not only for animals ingesting diets which contain propylene glycol, but for humans who receive propylene glycol-containing medications” (Lab Invest 1990 Jan).
PG and Premature Skin Aging
The science of skin biology has advanced substantially since propylene glycol was first introduced to cosmetics over 30 years ago, and yet PG is still the major ingredient in most skin creams, regardless of cost, market share, or “natural” claims. New findings suggest that using PG and other occlusive (filming) ingredients on the skin actually ages the skin prematurely. Estimates are that skin ages at least 13 years for every 10 years these type products are used.
Fortunately, products are now being developed based on scientific breakthroughs to reverse environmental and aging damage to the skin, and to support the biology of the skin as a living organ. This approach is returning rapid results in skin healing, wrinkle diminishment, and other problems of aging skin (sagging skin, eye bags, etc.).
You won’t find these products in department stores any time soon, however. Many formulas with these new and often exotic ingredients are exclusive to a single manufacturer, and the expense of these breakthroughs are prohibitive for the major manufacturers. Fortunately, there are independent manufacturers beginning to bring these advances to market. http://www.seektheanswer.com/dangerous_beauty.htm
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