A
study was conducted by a dermatologist from the North American Contact
Dermatitis Group (NACDG) and the results shown that repeated exposures to
propylene glycol for a short time may cause irritation and allergies. Using the
database, they analyzed the number of products containing allergens. According
to Table 1, Propylene glycol is found to be the second most commonly present
allergen in deodorants and antiperspirants. It is found in 47% of the
deodorants and antiperspirants of the database, at a concentration of 2 to 5%
of the product weight. This low concentration of propylene glycol is unable to
elicit the irritation for patients with Propylene glycol allergy. However, it
is recommended to avoid deodorant and antiperspirant with Propylene Glycol, as
exposure over time may change the elicitation threshold, and thus causing
dermatitis.
Though
cancer might not be a concern (according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Expert Panel), it was found that Propylene Glycol can provoked allergic
reactions in patients with eczema and other skin allergies, even in
formulations of much less than 50%.
In addition, the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) cites skin, liver and kidney damage that can result from contact with
PG, and it gives safe handling instructions, calling it a hazardous substance.
Though not specified, this is for the more concentrated industrial grade.
On the other hand, studies done in vitro tests on mammalian cells revealed that
some cells underwent mutation when contact repeatedly with PG.
In Europe, where the authorities are much more cautious about what is allowable
in cosmetics and foods, propylene glycol is limited to mostly non-food uses.
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