Propylene Glycol Side Effects

Propylene Glycol is a solvent / humectant with 2 high-severity side effects. Found in 15 products in our database. FDA GRAS.

5
Known Side Effects
15
Products Contain It
2
High Severity
3
Safer Alternatives

What Is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is a synthetic solvent used in food, cosmetics, and as antifreeze. While 'generally recognized as safe' at low levels, it can cause skin reactions and serious effects at higher doses.

Also known as:
E1520PG1,2-PropanediolMethylethylene glycol

Known Side Effects

Moderate Skin and eye irritation
Moderate Allergic contact dermatitis
High Risk Central nervous system depression at high doses
High Risk Lactic acidosis (rare, at high doses)
Moderate Kidney and liver effects at high doses

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA Status

FDA GRAS. Used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Also used as antifreeze.

🇪🇺 EU Status

Legal with limits. E1520 approved as food additive.

Scientific References

  1. WHO/JECFA evaluation setting ADI of 25mg/kg
  2. Clinical reports of lactic acidosis from pharmaceutical PG exposure
  3. Dermatological studies on contact allergy to propylene glycol

Products Containing Propylene Glycol (15 found)

These products were found to contain propylene glycol or its variants in our database of 26,000+ grocery products.

#ProductBrandScore
1Banquet Salisbury Steak with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Cinnamon Apple Dessert, Frozen Meal, 11.88 oz.Conagra Brands, Inc24/100
2Holday cookies from CostcoUnknown25/100
3No Bake Oreo DessertJell-O30/100
4Equate Maximum Strength Cleansing PadsUnknown45/100
5MINIATURES MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CUPS, MILK CHOCOLATE; PEANUT BUTTERThe Hershey Company50/100
6EquateUnknown65/100
7KITKAT, MINIATURESThe Hershey Company68/100
8ARCHER FARMS, STRAWBERRY CHEESE DANISHTarget Stores68/100
9CANDY ASSORTMENT PUMPKIN, PEANUT BUTTER CUP, KITKAT, MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER, MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTERThe Hershey Company68/100
10DARK CHOCOLATE CANDY ASSORTMENTHERSHEY'S78/100
11CREAMY MILK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS & TOFFEE CHIPSThe Hershey Company78/100
12MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CREME SANTAS, MILK CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CREMEThe Hershey Company78/100
13Organic MarinaraKirkland85/100
14"Ativador de Cachos Salon Line S.O.S Super Óleos NutritivoSalon Line100/100
15Shea butter hair maskMaui Moisture100/100

Safer Alternatives to Propylene Glycol

Vegetable glycerinSorbitol (if tolerated)Water-based alternatives
📬

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of propylene glycol?
Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, and at high doses may cause central nervous system depression, lactic acidosis, and kidney/liver effects.
Is propylene glycol the same as antifreeze?
Propylene glycol is used in 'non-toxic' antifreeze. While it's less toxic than ethylene glycol, the same chemical is used in food products, which concerns many consumers.

⚕️ Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Side effect data is compiled from published scientific studies and regulatory assessments. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Last updated: 2026-03-05.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "Propylene Glycol Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/side-effects/propylene-glycol
MLA"Propylene Glycol Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/side-effects/propylene-glycol.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/side-effects/propylene-glycol">Propylene Glycol Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026sideeffectspropyleneglycol, title = {Propylene Glycol Side Effects — Health Risks, FDA Status & Products | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/side-effects/propylene-glycol}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }