Are Propylene Glycol And Triethanolamine Harmful In Cosmetics?2021-01-26

If you buy formal products through formal channels, the propylene glycol and triethanolamine contained in the products are within the national standards, and they are harmless to the skin.

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Propylene glycol has low toxicity and irritation, but it has hemolytic properties and is not suitable for intravenous injection.
 
When it is added to food and beverages, like ethylene glycol, it has the risk of causing kidney disease. Therefore, some countries have banned its use in food industry.
 
In cosmetics, toothpaste and soap, propylene glycol can be used as a wetting agent in combination with glycerin or sorbitol.
 
Triethanolamine has the lowest oral toxicity among amines. As long as the dosage and usage are proper, it is harmless to the human body.
 
Triethanolamine is used as an emulsifier, moisturizer, thickener, and PH balancer in cosmetics.
 
Triethanolamine is a commonly used emulsifier in cream preparations, it can make the cream fine and bright.
 
In the gel which containing acidic polymer such as carbomer, triethanolamine is the most commonly used neutralizer.
 
Triethanolamine neutralizes with the carboxyl group of carbomer to form a stable polymer structure to achieve the application effect of thickening and moisturizing.