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BRITE: What is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol is an ingredient found in numerous cosmetic formulations and personal care products such as foundations, shampoo and conditioners, lip balms, facial cleansers, soap, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, fragrances, hairspray, shaving cream, baby wipes, serums, and even nail glue—to name a few.
Because Propylene Glycol is a prominent ingredient in cosmetic and hygienic products that we use daily, it is important to be informed on what it is, what it does, and how it benefits or affects our bodies.
WHAT IS PROPYLENE GLYCOL?
Propylene Glycol is an organic molecule that belongs to the same chemical group as alcohol. It is a colorless, odorless liquid that is completely water-soluble, and specifically functions as a hydration preservative, or humectant, in cosmetic products.[1]
Being such a versatile component, here are some of the roles or functions Propylene Glycol plays in cosmetic and personal care products:
Acts like a humectant – binds water to promote hydration and moisturize the skin. [1]
Enhances the delivery and penetration of other active ingredients to make them more effective as they are absorbed by the skin. [1]
Due to its moisturizing properties, Propylene Glycol prevents water loss and promotes a smooth, soften skin, while lessening the appearance of marks and acne spots. [1]
PROPYLENE GLYCOL VS. ETHYLENE GLYCOL
There are two main types of glycols: Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol. Although they are commonly mistaken for each other, they are remarkably different.
Ethylene Glycol is a synthetic liquid that absorbs water and is odorless with a sweet taste. It is an industrial compound found in consumer products such as antifreeze, hydraulic brake fluids, paints, plastics, ballpoint pens, and many other products. [2]
Unlike Propylene Glycol, Ethylene Glycol is highly toxic for humans. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Ethylene Glycol is a toxic agent that can have severe neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal effects on the body. In addition, if Ethylene Glycol ingestion is not detected promptly, it can lead to fatal toxicity. [3]
Propylene Glycol, however, is “generally recognized as safe” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to use in food and tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. [lbid]
The safety assessment of Propylene Glycol done in 1994, published in the Journal of American Toxicology, and the reassessment performed in 2012, published in the International Journal of Toxicology, both concluded that Propylene Glycol in cosmetic products is safe for use at a 50% concentration [4]. Nowadays, cosmetic products use Propylene Glycol in concentrations of 10% or less. Brite uses a concentration of less than 4%.
WHY IS PROPYLENE GLYCOL IN BRITE?
Propylene Glycol was implemented as one of Brite’s ingredients with the purpose of helping ingredients combine, such as water and some of the oils, without compromising the benefit and quality of the product.
Green Apple Stem Cell, for instance, is one of the main ingredient in Brite, yet it is particularly difficult to mix with other ingredients. Propylene Glycol allows for the combination of such an important ingredient without affecting the benefits of the other ingredients in the overall formulation.
OUR PROMISE
At Solex, we are committed to providing our customers with premium products made from high-quality ingredients. We are dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of everyone who uses our products.
Our commitment to this belief starts by only utilizing ingredients that have been determined to be safe in the cosmetology industry, the FDA, CDC, and other qualified sources, to ensure that our products meet the highest safety and quality standards.
REFERENCES
[1] Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol Toxicity: What is Propylene Glycol? | Environmental Medicine | ATSDR. Atsdr.cdc.gov. (2022). Retrieved 21 March 2022, from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/ethylene-propylene-glycol/propylene_glycol.html.
[2] Ethylene Glycol: Systemic Agent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Retrieved 21 March 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750031.html.
[3] Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol Toxicity: What is Ethylene Glycol? | Environmental Medicine | ATSDR. Atsdr.cdc.gov. (2022). Retrieved 21 March 2022, from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/ethylene-propylene-glycol/ethylene_glycol.html.
[4] Fiume, M., Bergfeld, W., Belsito, D., Hill, R., Klaassen, C., & Liebler, D. et al. (2012). Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol, Tripropylene Glycol, and PPGs as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal Of Toxicology, 31(5_suppl), 245S-260S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812461381.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES:
National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 1030, Propylene Glycol. Updated Oct 10, 2020.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol Toxicity. Updated December 10, 2013.
If you have any follow-up questions, please contact our wonderful customer service team. They are ready to help with any questions you may have!
Frequently Asked Questions
The fine spray is to mist the mouth with the nano ingredients in THINKdrops™. This misting will assist in spreading the benefits over the mouth’s surface and underneath the tongue, accelerating absorption.
The pump must be “primed” (pumped multiple times) for initial use, allowing fluid into the straw.
When needed, reset the pump by pulling the pump to full extension to repeat full sprays. Remember to shake the bottle well before pumping.
Yes! Think™ capsules will continue to be available in your back office.
Yes, THINKdrops™ contains nanotechnology which allows a potent lower dose that will help your brain get the nutrients it needs to perform its best.
Turmeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids) 40 mg, Proprietary Blend (27.75 mg): Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Niacinamide, Phosphatidylserine, Rhodiola Rosea, Co Enzyme Q10, Trans-Resveratrol.
The only difference is Krill has been added to THINKdrops™ with Krill. Regular THINKdrops™ does not include Krill in its formulation.
Krill is a shellfish that provides fish oil and includes the perfect ratio of EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin, contributing to multiple cognitive, heart, and vascular health benefits. The taste of Krill can taste oceanic or fishy. Add it to your favorite beverage if you are sensitive to the taste.
Yes, take each of our supplements as directed on the label and avoid taking other branded herbal remedies, like caffeine that only mask fatigue. Consult your health care practitioner if you are under their care or are taking any medications
If you are under 18, this product should be taken under an adult’s supervision. All the ingredients in THINKdrops™ are safe for children over the age of 4 years old to take under the guidance of a parent
If you are under the care of a physician for any condition, please consult with them before taking any dietary supplement.
Spray five pumps directly in your mouth in the morning and five sprays at night. Variance can happen from person to person, adjust the serving size according to your needs. (Some may need 10 sprays; others may need less to achieve the desired results).
Yes, there are numerous clinical studies for each of the ingredients in our THINKdrops™ formula which have demonstrated improved focus, memory, concentration, clarity, hearth health, anti-inflammatory, cell membrane, and NRF2 support.
There are no known adverse reactions associated with THINKdrops™. Discontinue use if you suspect any adverse reaction does occur.
THINKdrops™ has been formulated to be caffeine-free, NON-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly, nut-free, not tested on animals, and made in recyclable bottles.
No, there are no allergens in THINKdrops™. There are no known adverse reactions or side effects from the nutrients in THINKdrops™. If you are under the age of 18, pregnant, or have a pre-existing medical condition, consult with your healthcare provider before taking this product. Discontinue use if you suspect any adverse reaction does occur.