Food, Beverage & Supplement
Propylene Glycol is widely used in the food and beverage industry. It serves as a solvent for colors and flavors, and as an emulsifier to help prevent separation in oils, vinegar, and salad dressings. It can also act as a humectant in products such as crisp baked goods, powdered beverages, and dry animal feed to help prevent caking. In addition, it is used as a coating or moisturizing agent in cocoa-based spreads and fillings, hard and soft candies, nougat, marzipan, and chewing gum.
Pharmaceutical
In the pharmaceutical industry, Propylene Glycol is used as a solvent for flavors in formulations such as cough syrups and liquid medicines for children. It may also be used as an extraction medium and as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility and softness of plastic materials, making them easier to extrude, draw, coat, or mold for film coating in capsule production.
Cosmetic & Personal Care
Propylene Glycol is added to hand sanitizers to help prevent roughness and dry skin. It is also used in shampoos and hair-care products to help prevent dry, damaged hair and retain moisture. As an emulsifier, it can be used in oil-containing products such as hair serums and lotions.