The benefits and harms of monopropylene glycol in skin, food, antifreeze and other products can be explored.
Monopropylene glycol is a colorless liquid that is completely soluble in water. Derived from petroleum products. A beneficial chemical found in a variety of products in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and health industries. Used as a preservative, solvent, emollient in a wide range of formulas such as creams, lotions, serums, shampoos and many other types of personal care products.
If you eat ready to eat foods, use cosmetics or take medicines containing them, you will be exposed to monopropylene glycol, but these amounts are generally not harmful. People working in industries that use monopropylene glycol may be exposed to these products by touching or inhaling the liquid. However, the exposure rate is low. In the following lines, we will get acquainted with the benefits And harms of monopropylene glycol.
Propylene glycol has many functions and is used in many skin products due to its versatility. Its main functions are listed here:
Water absorption: At low concentrations, monopropylene glycol acts as a diluent, meaning that it adheres to water and hydrates the outer layers of the skin. When used in cosmetics, it gives the skin a hydrated and moisturizing appearance.
Skin whitening: This substance brightens and whitens the skin.
Gentle moisturizer: As a moisturizer, it also has moisturizing benefits and smoothes the skin with a light feeling and without stickiness.
Notes the visible signs of aging: Moisturizing properties also make it a useful substance for dry or old skin. As we age, our skin loses details called natural moisturizer (NMF) and subsequently dries out, adding to wrinkles and scaling. Monopropylene glycol helps bind water from the environment and helps counteract water loss associated with aging.
Enhances penetration: The active ingredients in cosmetics penetrate the skin and in turn make them effective.
Prevents water loss: Monopropylene glycol as an emollient forms a protective layer on the skin that prevents water loss and helps smooth and soften the skin. Safe for acne prone skin: Since it is not oily, it is also ideal for people with acne.
It can dissolve some substances better than water and is also useful in maintaining moisture. This makes it a very useful food additive, so it can be found in a wide range of processed foods and beverages. Monopropylene glycol is found in many ready-to-eat foods with high shelf life to maintain moisture and maintain quality. The intrinsic properties of monopropylene glycol make it useful to product manufacturers on many levels. This chemical is used to concentrate substances, to keep them moist. Helps to combine ingredients such as oil with water ingredients in some sauces, such as salad dressings.
In the past, another chemical with the same name, ethylene glycol, was used in many antifreeze brands to reduce the defrosting point of the product. This chemical was much more toxic than monopropylene glycol and also had a sweeter smell. It was very dangerous for the environment as well as the animals. Some antifreeze manufacturers use monopropylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol, which is a much safer and less harmful product for animals. Antifreezes containing monopropylene glycol have a longer shelf life. They lower the freezing point and are often more corrosive than water.
Benefits of monopropylene glycol in hand disinfectant Soap and water are the best way to clean your hands, but hand sanitizers are best when you do not have access to water. Using alcohol to disinfect your hands is not pleasant, alcohol dries the skin quickly and will disrupt the protective layer of oils on your skin. For this reason, hand sanitizer should contain a moisturizer. The benefits of monopropylene glycol in disinfectant compounds are due to its moisturizing properties.
Benefits of monopropylene glycol in killing bacteria and viruses
A topical and anti-inflammatory compound containing monopropylene glycol is useful in the treatment and prevention of herpes infections and has an antiviral effect.
Monopropylene glycol vapor dispersed in the air of an enclosed space creates a pronounced and rapid bactericidal effect on microorganisms entering the atmosphere in the form of droplets.
Waste streams from the production of monopropylene glycol are primarily responsible for the release of air, water and soil. Monopropylene glycol can enter the environment when used as an aircraft cooling agent. It can also enter the environment through the disposal of products that contain it. Probably not in the air. We have little information about what happens to monopropylene glycol in the air. Small amounts that may enter the air are likely to disappear quickly.
If escaped from the air, half of the amount released takes about 24 to 50 hours to decompose. Monopropylene glycol can be thoroughly mixed with water and can be soaked in soil. It can decompose relatively quickly (within a few days to a week) in surface water and soil.
Monopropylene glycol can enter your bloodstream if you breathe in air containing vapors. It can also enter the bloodstream through your skin if it comes in direct contact with it. If you drink products that contain monopropylene glycol, it may enter your bloodstream.
Monopropylene glycol is broken down in the body in about 48 hours. However, studies in humans and animals show that it can cause irritation if exposed to the eyes, skin, nose, and swallowing for a short time.
Can monopropylene glycol affect my health? Monopropylene glycol decomposes at the same rate as ethylene glycol, although it does not form harmful crystals. Frequent skin contact with monopropylene glycol can sometimes irritate the skin.
Is there a medical test to determine if we have been exposed to monopropylene glycol? Propylene glycol is considered a safe chemical and is not normally tested unless specific exposure, such as medication or cosmetics, is associated with the symptoms observed. Because monopropylene glycol breaks down so quickly in the body, it is very difficult to detect.
In adults with normal liver and kidney function, monopropylene glycol is broken down and excreted relatively quickly. On the other hand, in patients with kidney or liver disease, this process may not work. It can cause monopropylene glycol and lactic acid in the bloodstream and cause symptoms of toxicity. In addition, since there is no maximum dose for propylene glycol used in drugs, very high doses can be taken in some cases.
For patients with kidney and liver disease, alternative drugs without monopropylene glycol may be used if needed. There is no evidence that dietary amounts are a cause for concern.
In this article, we will learn about the benefits and harms of monopropylene glycol. We can now use this material properly.