Propylene glycol in cosmetics

This substance should be familiar to you, if you at least once asked the question, what do these "E-shki", which are a part of most foodstuff, stand for. Additive E1520 - propylene glycol - an element well known. The substance has found its application in many spheres. So, propylene glycol can be found in almost any makeup. Without it, not a single cool cream or hair care product . In the article we will tell you what this substance really is.

Influence of propylene glycol on the body

The quality of this additive has been debated for several years already. Some experts argue that propylene glycol is a real poison, gradually poisoning the body, while others, on the contrary, believe that this substance has indescribable health benefits. Experiments on rats confirm the latter point of view: for two years animals added pure propylene glycol to the diet, but this did not affect their health. Problems were manifested only when substance was misused.

In fact, the reasons for which propylene glycol is introduced into many cosmetics is enough. Just look at the positive properties of the substance:

  1. Propylene glycol effectively softens the skin.
  2. After applying the product, a peculiar film appears on the skin. It allows you to keep moisture, and with it useful active substances.
  3. Reacting with other substances, propylene glycol has a cooling effect.

Experiencing, seeing propylene glycol in the composition of a cream is not worth it, because it is a natural component that will not accumulate in the body. As in the case of experimental rats, problems can appear only with large doses of the substance, which in cosmetics is not and can not be.

Is propylene glycol harmful?

There are also reasons for doubting the propylene glycol. After using it (as, however, after using any other substance from the composition of the cosmetology), there may be side effects. The most unpleasant and quite common consequence is an allergy to propylene glycol. In different organisms it can manifest itself in different ways, but it always brings a lot of discomfort.

The harmful use of propylene glycol in cosmetics is considered for a number of reasons:

  1. After applying the means with propylene glycol, the skin seems especially soft. This effect is the result of the displacement of elements beneficial to the health of the skin.
  2. Propylene glycol may adversely affect the work of the kidneys and baking.
  3. The substance displaces water from the skin.

There is nothing critical in propylene glycol, but you can do without it completely. Therefore, whether to apply cosmetics with this substance or not is a strictly private matter for everyone.