What is propylene glycol

What is Propylene Glycol Propylene glycol is a clear, colourless liquid that has no smell or taste. It is a chemical produced by adding propylene oxide with water. It has a great reputation for the safe use in many consumer products, including foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and animal feed.

Glycol can be used as a stabilizer, to keep foods moist and can be found in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. Industrial grade Propylene Glycol is used as one of many ingredients to make non-toxic antifreeze and de-icing products for automobiles as well as solvents for the plastic and paint industries.

Speculation from the media warning against Propylene Glycol as a safe ingredient, is derived from it's use as part of the ingredient for anti-freeze, however, as to be expected, the media fails to mention it’s for a “non-toxic� antifreeze (scroll to Propylene glycol) and therefore can be considered a

scare tactic used to misinform electronic cigarette users.

Why is it used?

Because of it's water retaining properties, Propylene Glycol is the certified choice for delivering atomized medication through the use of inhalers or nebulizers. A typical application in this example would be medication for asthma sufferers.

In e liquid, propylene glycol allows atomization to take place at a substantially lower temperature than that necessary of tobacco smoking and will help deliver the nicotine far more effectively than vegetable glycerine when inhaled.

Propylene Glyocal:

stabilizes insoluble fluids or emulsifies Is a solvent Is an excipient (binds and transports other compounds) Contains and dissolves active ingredients equally

Attracts/holds water/moisture Lowers the freezing point Increases the boiling point Offers outstanding stability with high flash and boiling points

Propylene Glycol in food is used to:

Act as the base food flavourings or colour dyes Make drinks, cookies, cakes, candy Thicken, clarify or stabilize food and beverage such as beer, salad dressings or baking products

Is used commercially to:

Retain flavours in food and beverage Produce cosmetics such as: body lotions, facial creams, lipsticks and deodorant Stabilize foams used within the healthcare industry

Help retain moisture in livestock feed Act as the base for active ingredients such as vaccines, cough syrups etc

Is used industrially:

As an Antifreeze ingredient for automobiles As an De Icing ingredient for windows As a liquid detergent ingredient As a base for paints and coatings

Where to Buy Propylene Glycol

Many different grades of Propylene Glycol exist, ensure the propylene glycol used in your e liquid is at least 99.5% pure otherwise known as pharmaceutical or USP grade. PG can be bought on Ebay or Amazon.