What Is Propylene Glycol?
ATSDR says propylene glycol is used to make antifreeze and deicing solutions for cars, airplanes and boats, to make polyester compounds, and as a solvent in the paint and plastics industries. It also notes that the FDA has classified propylene glycol as an additive generally recognized as safe for use in food, where it absorbs extra water and maintains moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics and food products and acts as a solvent for food colors and flavors.
It is not the same as the antifreeze ingredient that damages kidneys. ATSDR says propylene glycol breaks down at the same rate as ethylene glycol but does not form harmful crystals when it breaks down. It says propylene glycol increases the amount of acid in the body, though large amounts are needed to cause that effect, and that frequent skin exposure can sometimes irritate the skin.
The FDA sets food limits. Under 21 CFR 184.1666, propylene glycol is 1,2-propanediol, does not occur in nature, and is used at levels not exceeding current good manufacturing practice, which the rule describes as maximum levels as served of 5 percent for alcoholic beverages, 24 percent for confections and frostings, 2.5 percent for frozen dairy products, 97 percent for seasonings and flavorings, 5 percent for nuts and nut products, and 2.0 percent for all other food categories.
Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.
The sources behind this answer
- Government sourceATSDR says propylene glycol is used to make antifreeze and deicing solutions for cars, airplanes and boats, to make polyester compounds, and as a solvent in the paint and plastics industries. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Government sourceATSDR says the FDA has classified propylene glycol as generally recognized as safe for use in food, where it maintains moisture in some medicines, cosmetics and foods and is a solvent for colors and flavors. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Government sourceATSDR says propylene glycol increases the amount of acid in the body, but large amounts are needed to cause this effect. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Government sourceATSDR says propylene glycol breaks down at the same rate as ethylene glycol but does not form harmful crystals, and that frequent skin exposure can sometimes irritate the skin. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Regulatory filingUnder 21 CFR 184.1666, propylene glycol is known as 1,2-propanediol and does not occur in nature. US FDA, 21 CFR 184.1666 (eCFR) ↗
- Regulatory filingThe FDA rule lists maximum propylene glycol levels as served of 5 percent for alcoholic beverages, 24 percent for confections and frostings, 2.5 percent for frozen dairy products, 97 percent for seasonings and flavorings and 2.0 percent for other foods. US FDA, 21 CFR 184.1666 (eCFR) ↗
Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.