Is Propylene Glycol in Dove Products Carcinogenic? No. The Ingredient is Approved and Safe

People are becoming more mindful of what they put on their skin, carefully choosing beauty and skincare products with safer ingredients. With concerns about cancer, hormone disruption, inflammation, and long-term health effects, many are ditching harmful chemicals for safer alternatives. 

Against this backdrop, a social media post claiming that one of the renowned brands Dove is using ingredients like Propylene Glycol is going viral. As per the claim, this ingredient disrupts hormones and results in cancer. 

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Fact Check- 

According to the National Library of Medicine, propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid that absorbs water and is used in many industries. It helps keep food, medicine, and cosmetics moist, acts as a solvent for flavors and colors, and is used as antifreeze when food contact is possible. The FDA considers it safe for use in food. It is also used to make polyester, deicing solutions, and artificial smoke for fire training and theater shows. 

CDC report says that Propylene glycol is approved for use in food, cosmetics, and medicine at safe levels. Most people are exposed to it by eating, using skincare products, or taking medicine, but these small amounts are not harmful. Workers in industries using propylene glycol may touch or breathe it in, but exposure is usually low.

In another report, CDC clarified that propylene glycol can enter the body through air, skin (using products containing the ingredient) and directly to our blood stream through the food we consume with propylene glycol as an ingredient. But it breaks down in the body in about 48 hours. Unlike ethylene glycol, it does not form harmful crystals. However, repeated exposure to propylene glycol through skin contact, eyes, nose, or mouth can cause mild irritation.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified propylene glycol for carcinogenicity. Animal studies have not shown this chemical to be carcinogen.

According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), Propylene glycol esters are ingredients used in many cosmetics like lotions, creams, perfumes etc. Studies show that these ingredients are safe to use in cosmetics, with no serious health risks. However, some people with sensitive skin might experience mild irritation. These esters can be absorbed by the skin but break down quickly in the body. Some types also help other ingredients go deeper into the skin. The FDA and other health organizations approve their use. But companies need to make sure they are properly made and free from harmful substances like pesticides or heavy metals. Overall, propylene glycol esters are safe in cosmetics as long as they are used correctly and made with good quality control.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Although Dove uses Propylene Glycol as an ingredient in its products, expert panels have reviewed and declared the ingredient as safe and non carcinogenic.