Recently, various components have become widespread in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other industries. In our article, we will look at what propylene glycol and glycerin are. How are these substances used by humans? What is the harm from them? Can they be useful?
Concept
Propylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish taste 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 taste and is odorless. Its boiling point is 290 degrees. Glycerin can be presented in the form of crystals that melt at a certain temperature.
Name
Propylene glycol is made in Germany. It was made and certified for the first time at the beginning of the 20th century. The term "propylene glycol" was formed as a result of the merger of the words "propylene" (hydrocarbon radical) and "glycol" (dihydric alcohol). Possible names for this substance are:
- Propylene Glycol.
- Propylene glycol.
- Monopropylene glycol.
- Dipropylene glycol.
- Tripylene glycol.
- E-1520.
Glycerin is produced in Russia. This substance was made for the first time at the end of the 18th century The term "glycerin" is translated from Latin as "sweet". Possible names for this substance are:
- Glicerin.
- E-422.
Composition
Propylene glycol is made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These elements are taken in different proportions. 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.
Glycerin contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. Each carbon atom is linked 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 a hydrogen atom. Glycerin has a valence of four. This suggests that he has a tendency to form four bonds.
Production
Propylene glycol is often producedfrom some petroleum products by sublimation and purification methods, with further testing for compatibility with cells of animal origin.
The chemical and physical properties of propylene glycol allow it to be produced from propylene oxide at a certain temperature and pressure. The products of production are three substances: tripropylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol. The next step is the process of separation of substances. Finished products are ready to eat. Their shelf life is 2 years.
Glycerin used to be made from soap. This process was very difficult. Soap was made from animal and vegetable fats. When fats come into contact with alkali, a soapy solution is obtained. When s alt was added, soap was formed. Remained a mixture of glycerin with impurities. At the next stage, the substance was isolated by hydrolysis, then filtered, purified.
Recently, the manufacturing process of the substance has improved. Glycerin is formed from animal and vegetable oils. The substance is produced as follows: a certain amount of water is added to fats; the mixture is heated and decomposed into fatty acids and glycerin, which is separated, filtered, purified. The shelf life of the product is 5 years.
Use
Propylene glycol is considered a non-toxic food additive that is used in the manufacture of confectionery and baking as a water-retaining and softening component. It allows you to improve the quality of food products and increase their shelf life. This substance is often calledE-1520.
Propylene glycol has a remarkable ability to retain moisture. Therefore, it is widely used in cosmetology for the manufacture of products intended for moisturizing and cleansing the skin. In addition, propylene glycol is used in pharmaceutical production.
Propylene glycol in the form of an aqueous solution is used in various industries. It is used in the operation of heat exchange (refrigeration) equipment. This substance, for example, is used to cool and freeze 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 to make plastics.
Glycerin is used as a food additive for confectionery and baking:
- to improve their taste;
- to increase their shelf life;
- to give them a soft texture and a special sweet taste;
- to prevent color change, etc.
It is included in various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This component is called E-422.
Glycerin is used in cosmetology for the production of moisturizing creams, masks for the face, hands, body. This component is part of various tablets, ointments for skin problems. This substance is used to make laxative medicines. There are many traditional medicine recipes based onglycerin. These are recipes for coughs, for joint pain.
Glycerin is used in agriculture and industry. It is used for seed treatment. It is used in the transport industry: it is part of 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 do not dissolve in glycerin. Glycerin is indispensable in everyday life. For example, it can be used to remove stains, clean leather goods, shine laminate flooring, etc.
Benefit
Propylene glycol in moderation is not considered toxic and dangerous to 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 the manufacture of various shampoos, balms, lipsticks and other cosmetics. This is due to the fact that the component perfectly binds fats, displaces liquid into the upper layers of the epidermis, resulting in the effect of skin smoothness.
This substance is cheaper than glycerin. Therefore, it is the main ingredient in many cosmetics, which often contain 10-20% propylene glycol. This component in moderate doses is used in pharmaceutical production for the manufacture of various medicines.
In the food industry, propylene glycol is used as a dispersant, water-retaining and softening agent. It is found in the following products: cookies, energy drinks, soft drinks, candies, etc.
Physical propertiespropylene glycol to boil and freeze at a certain temperature are used in food and industrial production. It is used, for example, for freezing berries, vegetables, fruits. An aqueous solution of this substance is used as a coolant for various equipment.
Note: propylene glycol is used to create a "smoke effect" in concerts. For this purpose, special smoke machines are used. Thanks to the correct concentration of this substance, high and harmless vaporization can be achieved.
Glycerin has a low cost. Therefore, it is convenient to use it in various industries. It improves the taste and quality of confectionery and pastries in moderation. The ability to adsorb moisture from the environment allows it to be used 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 promotes weight loss.
FYI: One of Japanese model Masako Mizutani's beauty and he alth secrets is a vitamin E and glycerine mask she regularly uses.
Preparations, which include this component, perfectly protects the bark of trees from pests. Physic althe properties of glycerin allow it to be used effectively in industry.
Harm
Propylene glycol is used in cosmetology. But in large quantities, it causes addiction to the body and various side effects. Allergic reactions on the body may occur, which are accompanied by skin dermatitis. In large doses, propylene glycol is considered a toxic component for the respiratory system, and 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 like a protoplasmic and vascular poison that can cause changes in the liver, kidneys and other organs. Pure propylene glycol burns the skin.
The vapors of this component do not irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, do not cause dangerous allergic reactions, but it is still not recommended to breathe them. In high concentrations, propylene glycol can spoil confectionery and pastries, causing an unpleasant taste.
Glycerin, if used incorrectly, 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 taken orally, side effects may occur in the form of bloating, vomiting, dizziness. Glycerin is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating children.women. In sensitive people, it can cause irritation and an allergic reaction due to intolerance to the components.
Cosmetics should contain about 7% of this substance, then it will have a positive effect. Glycerin is highly diuretic, so we recommend taking it in moderation.
Glycerin vapors are too heavy to breathe and taste sweet. There have been known cases of fainting from the smoke of glycerin. When using it, there is a need to use modern equipment that turns these vapors into harmless smoke with the help of special liquids.
Glycerin is poisonous. The pure, chemical is considered non-toxic in moderate doses. But when thermally decomposed and stored for a long time, it forms acrolein, which is easily absorbed into the skin and causes cancer in large quantities. I would like to emphasize once again that glycerin vapors are especially dangerous, even if we forget about acrolein.
Comparison
Propylene glycol and glycerin have almost the same uses. In our article we will try to figure out which component is better. Propylene glycol, glycerin are used in cosmetology, food and pharmaceutical production, industry.
Glycerin and propylene glycol have similar physical properties. Glycerin has a higher viscosity than 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 severe allergic reaction even in small amounts, unlikefrom glycerin. This component costs less than glycerin.
Glycerin has a more pronounced sweet taste. Thinner glycerin. Propylene glycol has a thicker concentration. The molecules of these substances have similar bases. Propylene glycol, glycerin are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen atoms, but their molecular formula and production process are different.
Interaction
In our article, we will look at whether a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin can be beneficial. These substances are used in a certain ratio in various areas of production.
For example, propylene glycol and glycerin are found in e-liquid cartridges for electronic cigarettes. The vapor that an e-cigarette lover inhales is a certain ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol. The decomposition of substances releases acrolein, which in large doses can cause cancer.
That's what dangerous substances for humans can be propylene glycol, glycerin! Nicotine, which is released in tobacco smoke, will seem like baby talk! In addition, the vapors of these substances have an irritating and even narcotic effect. It all depends on the concentration and dose of steam.
Currently, science has proven that these vapors settle in the lungs of a person, do not dissolve, are not excreted from the body. It is worth guessing what will happen to an e-cigarette lover in 15-20 years, when the lungs absorb these harmful substances.
Because of its adsorbentpropylene glycol is the main active ingredient in e-liquid cartridges for electronic cigarettes. The comparison of substances is discussed above.
For your information: about 65% of smokers in Russia currently use electronic cigarettes. This is a staggering number considering how expensive they are. The simplest device will cost 1000 rubles.
The components differ in their physical properties. It is very important to choose the right ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol. The following proportions are considered optimal: 70% propylene glycol, 30% glycerin. This is due to the fact that propylene glycol is lighter, absorbs odor and taste better. To produce a liquid, glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed. Flavors are added last.
Where to buy
Glycerin 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 e-cigarette liquids.
Glycerin and propylene glycol can be purchased in bulk on 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 the site is reliable, study reviews, certificates. At the moment, these components have different prices, 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
In the last 15 years, there are few statistics on the use of propylene glycol and glycerin. However, it became known that the vapor of these substances already causes less harm to human he alth. This is due to the use of new modern technologies in all industries. Substances and their action are still insufficiently studied by man. How do glycerin and propylene glycol affect the body? The proportions of these components can be very different. Everything depends on them.
Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to study propylene glycol and glycerin. Modern equipment should be used to work with these substances, their interactions should be studied in order to make them harmless to the body. They must be beneficial to human he alth. This is the only way to ensure that these important components are at the service of a person.
