Propylene Glycol

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Propylene Glycol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Propylene Glycol is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For kids aged 5 and up (school-age children and older), propylene glycol in normal skin products is usually low risk. It helps keep skin soft and dissolves other ingredients, but it can sometimes bother sensitive skin or eyes.

What to Do

If you want to use a product that contains propylene glycol on a child 5 or older: choose products made for children when possible; do a small patch test on the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or a rash; avoid putting it on broken or very irritated skin; rinse off and stop use if the child gets itching, redness, swelling, or breathing trouble; prefer products with lower amounts of this ingredient if your child has sensitive skin.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, rash, stinging, or breathing problems — these reactions have been reported (U.S. National Library of Medicine notes skin irritation). Some safety reviews say it can increase skin absorption of other ingredients (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). A few government assessments have flagged possible broader health concerns in other contexts (Environment Canada). Also note some agencies place limits on how it’s used in products (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and there are regulatory notes about food use (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). If you see any worrying signs, stop the product and contact your pediatrician.

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

Is this kid-friendly to use Propylene Glycol?

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

What are the irritant risks of Propylene Glycol for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

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

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Propylene Glycol for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the asthma risks of Propylene Glycol for children?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What products contain Propylene Glycol?

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

When can kids start using products with Propylene Glycol?

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

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