Propylene glycol and glycerin: comparison and harm

Recently, various components have been widely used in cosmetology, pharmaceutical production and other industries. In this article, we consider what propylene glycol and glycerin are. How are these substances used by man? What kind of harm is there from them? Can they be useful?

The concept of

Propylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish flavor and a peculiar smell. It has hygroscopic properties. The boiling point of this substance is 200 degrees, and the freezing point is 60 degrees. It is considered a good solvent.

Propylene glycol is part of the lipid membranes of cells in the form of essential fatty acids involved in the transport of large molecules into cells.

Glycerin is a chemical compound of fat and water, in which water separates fat into small elements. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish flavor, has no odor. The temperature of its boiling is 290 degrees. Glycerin can be presented in the form of crystals that melt at a certain temperature.

Name

Propylene glycol is produced in Germany. It was manufactured and certified for the first time at the beginning of the 20th century. The term "propylene glycol" was formed as a result of the fusion of the words "propylene" (hydrocarbon radical) and "glycol" (dihydric alcohol). Possible names for this substance are as follows:

• Propylene Glycol.
• Propylene glycol.
• Monopropylene glycol.
• Dipropylene glycol.
• Tripropylene glycol.
• E-1520.

Glycerin is produced in Russia. This substance was made for the first time in the late 18th century. The term "glycerin" is translated from Latin as "sweet". Possible names for this substance are as follows:

• Glicerin.
• E-422.

Composition

Propylene glycol consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. These elements are taken in different ratios. The chemical formula of the component is C3H8O2. It is a liquid that is a racemic mixture of several isomeric structures. One of them rotates the plane of polarization to the left, the other to the right. This is due to the asymmetric position of the carbon atom.

The composition of glycerin includes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. Each carbon atom is bonded to a carbon atom and a hydroxyl group. The chemical formula of the substance is C3H5 (OH) 3. In addition, each carbon atom has an additional bond with the hydrogen atom. Glycerin has a valence of four. This suggests that he has a tendency to form four bonds.

Production

Propylene glycol is often produced from certain petroleum products by methods of sublimation and purification, with further approbation for compatibility with cells of animal origin.

The chemical and physical properties of propylene glycol make it possible to produce it from propylene oxide at a certain temperature and pressure. Production products are three substances: tripropylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol. The next step is the process of separation of substances. Ready-made foods are ready for use. Their shelf life is 2 years.

Glycerin used to be made from soap. This process was very complicated. Soap was boiled from animal and vegetable fats. When fats interacted with alkali, a soapy solution was obtained. When salt was added, the soap was formed. Remained a mixture of glycerine with impurities. At the next stage, the substance was isolated by hydrolysis, then filtered, purified.

Recently, the process of manufacturing the substance has improved. Glycerin is formed from animal and vegetable oils. The substance is produced as follows: some amount of water is added to the fats; The mixture heats up and decomposes into fatty acids and glycerin, which is released, filtered, purified. Shelf life of the product is 5 years.

Using

Propylene glycol is considered a non-toxic food additive, which is used in the manufacture of confectionery and baking as a water-retaining and emollient component. It allows to improve the quality of food products and increase their shelf life. This substance is often called E-1520.

Propylene glycol has the remarkable property of retaining moisture. Therefore, it is widely used in cosmetology for the manufacture of products intended for moisturizing, cleansing the skin. In addition, propylene glycol is used in pharmaceutical production.

Propylene glycol in the form of an aqueous solution is used in different manufacturing industries. It is used in the operation of heat exchange (refrigeration) equipment. This substance, for example, is used for cooling and freezing of thermal products, berries, vegetables, fruits, etc.

In industrial production and transport industries, propylene glycol is used as an antifreeze in the water cooling system of equipment and brake fluid. In addition, the substance is used for the manufacture of plastics.

Glycerin is used as a food additive for confectionery and baking:

• To improve their taste;
• To increase the period of their storage;
• To give them a soft structure and a special sweet taste;
• To prevent color changes, etc.

It is a part of various alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. This component is called E-422.

Glycerin is used in cosmetology for the production of moisturizing creams, face masks, hands, and body. This component is a part of different tablets, ointments from skin problems. This substance is used for the manufacture of laxative drugs. There are many recipes of folk medicine based on glycerin. These are recipes for coughing, pain in joints.

Glycerin is used in agriculture and industry. It is used for seed treatment. It is used in the transport industry: it is part of the antifreeze and brake fluid. Glycerin can be used as a lubricating oil for mechanical parts of products. This is due to the fact that gasoline and benzene in glycerin do not dissolve. Glycerin is irreplaceable in everyday life. For example, with its help you can remove stains, clean leather products, gloss laminate, etc.

Benefit

Propylene glycol in moderate amounts is not considered toxic and dangerous for the human body. It does not irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, does not cause allergic reactions. Due to this property, it is used in cosmetology for making various shampoos, balms, lipsticks and other cosmetic products. This is due to the fact that the component perfectly binds fats, displaces liquid in the upper layers of the epidermis, resulting in an effect of smoothness of the skin.

This substance is cheaper than glycerin. Therefore, it is the main component in many cosmetics, which are 10-20% often composed of propylene glycol. This component in moderate doses is used in pharmaceutical production for the manufacture of various medications.

In food production, propylene glycol is used as a dispersing, water-retaining and softening element. It is a part of the following products: biscuits, energy and non-alcoholic beverages, sweets, etc.

The physical properties of propylene glycol to boil and freeze at a certain temperature are used in food and industrial production. It is used, for example, to freeze berries, vegetables, fruits. An aqueous solution of this substance is used as a coolant for various equipment.

For information: propylene glycol is used to create a "smoke effect" at concerts. Special machines are used for this purpose. Due to the correct concentration of this substance, it is possible to achieve high and harmless vaporization.

Glycerin has a low cost. Therefore, it is convenient to use it in different branches of production. It in moderate amounts improves the taste and quality of confectionery and baking. The property of adsorbing moisture from the environment makes it possible to use it in cosmetology for the production of moisturizers.

Glycerin has good antiseptic and healing properties, which allows it to be used in pharmaceutical production. Preparations based on it are considered more concentrated. Glycerin has excellent laxative properties. It reduces irritation of the mucous membranes. For example, it is used to reduce eye pressure. Glycerin helps to reduce weight.

For information: one of the secrets of beauty and health of the Japanese model Masako Mizutani is a mask of vitamin E and glycerine, which she regularly uses.

Preparations, which include this component, perfectly protects the bark of trees from pests. The physical properties of glycerol allow it to be used effectively in industry.

Harm

Propylene glycol is used in cosmetology. But in large quantities, it causes habit of the body and various side effects. There may be allergic reactions to the body, which are accompanied by skin dermatitis. In large doses, propylene glycol is considered a toxic component for respiratory organs, it can adversely affect the nervous and immune systems. Therefore, manufacturers try to use this component in moderate concentrations.

Penetrating into the human body, propylene glycol behaves as a protoplasmic and vascular poison that can cause changes in the liver, kidneys and other organs. Pure propylene glycol leaves burns on the skin.

Vapors of this component do not irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, do not cause dangerous allergic reactions, but they are still not recommended for breathing. In high concentrations, propylene glycol can spoil confectionery and pastries, causing unpleasant taste.

Glycerin, if used improperly, causes dehydration of the skin. This is due to the fact that it intensively draws moisture from the deep layers of the epidermis to the surface, instead of taking it from the environment. The skin becomes drier, the drying of the upper layers of the epidermis increases.

When ingested, side effects can occur in the form of bloating, vomiting, dizziness. Glycerin is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing women. In sensitive people, it can cause irritation and an allergic reaction due to intolerance of the components.

Cosmetics should contain about 7% of this substance, then it will have a positive effect. Glycerin has a high diuretic effect, so we recommend taking it in moderation.

The glycerol vapor is too heavy for breathing and sweet to taste. Cases of fainting from the smoke of glycerin were known. When it is used, there is a need to use modern equipment that converts these vapors with the help of special fluids into harmless smoke.

Glycerin is toxic. A pure, chemical substance is considered non-toxic in moderate doses. But with thermal decomposition and long storage, it forms acrolein, which is easily absorbed into the skin and causes large quantities of cancer. I would like to emphasize once again that glycerine vapor is especially dangerous even if you forget about acrolein.

Comparison

Propylene glycol and glycerin have practically the same use. In this article, we will try to figure out which component is better. Propylene glycol, glycerol are used in cosmetology, food and pharmaceutical production, and industry.

Glycerol and propylene glycol have similar physical properties. Glycerin has a higher viscosity, in contrast to propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is better absorbed into the skin. Steam from propylene glycol dissipates better, faster and gives a feeling of strength. Propylene glycol causes irritation and a strong allergic reaction, even in small amounts, in contrast to glycerol. This component is cheaper than glycerin.

Glycerin has a more pronounced sweet taste. Gisier than glycerin. Propylene glycol has a thicker concentration. The molecules of these substances have similar bases. Propylene glycol, glycerin consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen atoms, but their molecular formula and production process are different.

Interaction

In this article, we will consider the question of whether a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin can be useful. These substances are used in a certain ratio in different spheres of production.

For example, propylene glycol and glycerin are part of the cartridge liquid for electronic cigarettes. The vapor that an electronic cigarette lover breathes is a certain ratio of glycerin to propylene glycol. When decomposing substances, acrolein is released, which in large doses can cause cancer.

Here what dangerous substances for a person can be propylene glycol, glycerin! Nicotine, which stands out in tobacco smoke, will seem childish babble! In addition, the vapors of these substances have an irritating and even narcotic effect. It all depends on the concentration and the dose of steam.

At present, science has proven that these pairs settle into the lungs, do not dissolve, are not excreted from the body. It is worth guessing what will happen to the fan of electronic cigarettes in 15-20 years, when the lungs will absorb these harmful substances.

Due to its adsorbing properties propylene glycol is the main active component of the liquid for cartridges to electronic cigarettes. Comparison of substances is discussed above.

For information: currently in Russia about 65% of smokers use electronic cigarettes. This is a stunning figure, given that they are not expensive. The simplest device will cost 1000 rubles.

The physical properties of the components are different. It is very important to choose the right ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol. The following proportions are considered optimal: 70% propylene glycol, 30% glycerol. This is due to the fact that propylene glycol is lighter, better absorbs odor and taste. Glycerin, propylene glycol is mixed to produce the liquid. Flavors are added to the last.

Where can I buy

Glycerol and propylene glycol can be purchased at any pharmacy in small quantities without a prescription. They are inexpensive. For example, 100 ml of glycerin can be bought for 95 rubles. A mixture of these components is more expensive. Propylene glycol and glycerin are mainly used in liquid for cartridges for electronic cigarettes.

Glycerin and propylene glycol wholesale can be purchased at various sites on the Internet or in professional stores that specialize in the sale of these substances. Before buying, we advise you to make sure of the reliability of the site, to study the reviews, certificates. At the moment, these components have different costs, depending on the region of Russia. For example, 100 ml of a mixture (propylene glycol, glycerin) in Moscow and the Moscow region will cost more than in other regions of Russia.

Conclusion

Over the past 15 years there are few statistics on the use of propylene glycol and glycerin. However, it became known that the vapor of these substances causes less harm to human health. This is due to the use of new modern technologies in all industries. Substances and their effects have not been sufficiently studied by man. How does glycerin and propylene glycol affect the body? The proportions of these components can be very different. It all depends on them.

Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to study propylene glycol and glycerin. It is necessary to use modern equipment to work with these substances, to study their interaction in order to make them harmless to the body. They should be useful for human health. This is the only way to ensure that these important components are in the service of a person.