Meaning & use
propylene glycol
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountable
A clear, nearly odorless, slightly sweet liquid used in foods, medicines, cosmetics and e-cigarettes to keep products moist, mix ingredients or carry flavors.
Grammar: No plural and no a: propylene glycol is added, not a propylene glycol.
Patterns
- made with propylene glycol
- propylene glycol in something
The label lists propylene glycol as a moisture-retaining ingredient.
Some nasal sprays contain propylene glycol to help dissolve the medicine.
Propylene glycol is also used in low-toxicity antifreeze for plumbing.
Common combinations
- contain propylene glycol
- Many lotions contain propylene glycol to keep skin soft.
- propylene glycol allergy
- A propylene glycol allergy can cause a rash on sensitive skin.
- food-grade propylene glycol
- Only food-grade propylene glycol may be used in the recipe.
- propylene glycol solution
- The pipes were filled with a propylene glycol solution to prevent freezing.
Synonyms and how they differ
- propane-1,2-diol
- This is the systematic chemical name used in laboratories and regulations, while propylene glycol is the common trade and label name.
- PG
- PG is an informal abbreviation seen in vaping and labeling contexts, not used in careful scientific writing.
Word family
Commonly confused: propylene glycol or ethylene glycol?
propylene glycol vs ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is poisonous and found in many car coolants, while propylene glycol is considered much safer and is permitted in food.
Practice
Which statement about propylene glycol is accurate?
Choose one answer.
It is a clear liquid used as an additive. It is not a metal or sugar, and it is much less toxic than ethylene glycol.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “propylene glycol”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.