Propylene Glycol

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Propylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Propylene Glycol is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years), propylene glycol in typical skin creams is usually low risk, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some children. It can also help other ingredients get into the skin, so be careful with strong medicines in the same product.

What to Do

Use products that list propylene glycol at low concentrations and are made for children or labeled gentle/fragrance-free. Do a small patch test (apply a little on the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours to check for redness or itching. Don’t use it on broken, red, or sore skin. If you plan to use a product containing strong active ingredients (like prescription medicines) or put it over large areas every day, check with your child’s doctor first.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or any new rash after use — stop the product and see a doctor if these occur (skin irritation warning from the U.S. National Library of Medicine). Be careful because it can increase skin absorption of other ingredients (noted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some reviews flagged possible non-reproductive organ toxicity concerns (Environment Canada) and recommend following product concentration limits (Cosmetic Ingredient Review / FDA guidance).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists this chemical as a skin, eye, and lung irritant. That means it can cause red, itchy skin, sting the eyes, or make breathing uncomfortable — risks that matter for babies and children with delicate skin and airways.
Immune system: A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found limited evidence of skin and immune-system effects. This means some people can get allergic or immune reactions after skin contact.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada has classified this ingredient as expected to be toxic or harmful and of medium human-health priority for non-reproductive organ effects. Repeated or heavy exposure could pose risks to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Absorbed: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review identifies this ingredient as a penetration enhancer. It can help itself and other ingredients pass through the skin into the body, so more of the substance may get into the bloodstream.
Asthma: Because it can irritate the lungs (noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine), inhaling sprays or vapors could make breathing problems or asthma worse in sensitive children.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Propylene Glycol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

propylene glycol1,2-PROPANEDIOL, SAJ FIRST GRADE, >=99.0%1,2-PROPANEDIOL, P.A., ACS REAGENT, 99.5%D0007815490-EP2311839A115490-EP2305683A1C00583SOYBEAN OIL,POLYMER WITH BENZOIC ACID,PENTAERYTHRITOL,PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL1,2-PROPANEDIOL 100 MICROG/ML IN ACETONITRILE15490-EP2305669A11,2-PROPANEDIOL, TESTED ACCORDING TO PH.EUR.PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Propylene Glycol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Propylene Glycol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Propylene Glycol

Safe for preschoolers to use Propylene Glycol?

Yes, Propylene Glycol is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Propylene Glycol for preschoolers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the immune system risks of Propylene Glycol for preschoolers?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of Propylene Glycol for preschoolers?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of Propylene Glycol for preschoolers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the asthma risks of Propylene Glycol for preschoolers?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Propylene Glycol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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