Recently, various components have been widely used in cosmetology, pharmaceutical production and other industries. In our article, we will consider what propylene glycol and glycerin are. How are these substances used by humans? What harm is there from them? Can they be helpful?
The concept
Propylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish aftertaste and a peculiar smell. It has hygroscopic properties. The boiling point of this substance is 200 degrees, and freezing - 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 with water, in which water separates fat into small elements. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that has a sweetish taste, 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 produced 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). The possible names for this substance are as follows:
- Propylene Glycol.
- Propylene glycol.
- Monopropylene glycol.
- Dipropylene glycol.
- Tripropylene glycol.
- E-1520.
Glycerin is produced in Russia. This substance was manufactured for the first time at the end of the 18th century. The term "glycerin" is translated from Latin as "sweet". The possible names for this substance are as follows:
Structure
Propylene glycol consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. These elements are taken in different proportions. The chemical formula of the component is C3H8O2. This is a liquid, which 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.
The composition of glycerol includes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. Each carbon atom is bonded 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 valency of four. This suggests that he has a tendency to form four bonds.
Production
Propylene glycol is often produced from certain petroleum products by distillation and purification methods, with further testing for compatibility with animal cells.
The chemical and physical properties of propylene glycol make it possible to produce it 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 was previously made from soap. This process was very complicated. Soap was cooked from animal and vegetable fats. When fats interacted with alkali, a soap solution was obtained. When salt was added, soap formed. Remained a mixture of glycerol with impurities. In the next step, 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 the fats; the mixture is heated and decomposed into fatty acids and glycerin, which is released, filtered, and purified. The shelf life of the product is 5 years.
Using
Propylene glycol is considered a non-toxic food additive, which is used in the manufacture of confectionery and baking as a water-retaining and emollient component. It allows you to improve the quality of food products and increase their shelf life. This substance is often called E-1520.
Propylene glycol has a remarkable ability to retain moisture. Therefore, it is widely used in cosmetology for the manufacture of products designed to moisturize, cleanse the skin. In addition, propylene glycol is used in pharmaceutical production.
Propylene glycol in the form of an aqueous solution is used in various industrial sectors. 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 sectors, propylene glycol is used as 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 the shelf life;
- to give them a soft structure and a special sweet taste;
- To prevent discoloration, etc.
It is part of various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This component is called E-422.
Glycerin is used in cosmetology for the production of moisturizers, face masks, hands, and body masks. This component is part of different tablets, ointments for skin problems. This substance is used to make laxatives. There are many recipes for traditional medicine based on glycerin. These are recipes for cough, for joint pain.
Glycerin is used in agriculture and in 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 the mechanical parts of products. This is due to the fact that gasoline and benzene do not dissolve in glycerin. Indispensable glycerin in everyday life. For example, it can be used to remove stains, peel leather products, give shine to a laminate, 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 fluid in the upper layers of the epidermis, as a result of which the effect of smoothness of the skin is achieved.
This substance is cheaper than glycerin. Therefore, it is the main component in many cosmetics, which are 10-20% often composed of propylene glycol. This component in moderate doses is used in pharmaceutical production for the manufacture of various medicines.
In food production, propylene glycol is used as a dispersing, water-retaining and softening element. It is part of the following products: cookies, energy and soft drinks, sweets, etc.
The physical properties of propylene glycol boil and freeze at a certain temperature are used in food and industrial production. It is used, for example, to freeze berries, vegetables, fruits. An aqueous solution of this substance is used as a cooler for various equipment.
Note: propylene glycol is used to create a "smoke effect" at concerts. For this purpose, special smoke machines are used. Due 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 in various industries. In moderation, it improves the taste and quality of pastries and pastries. The ability to absorb 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 its use in pharmaceutical production. Preparations based on it are considered more concentrated. Glycerin has excellent laxative properties. It reduces mucosal irritation. For example, it is used to reduce eye pressure. Glycerin promotes weight loss.
Note: one of the secrets of beauty and health of the Japanese model Masako Mizutani is a mask of vitamin E and glycerin, which she regularly uses.
Preparations, which include this component, perfectly protect the bark of trees from pests. The physical properties of glycerin allow it to be effectively used 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 can occur on the body, which are accompanied by skin dermatitis. In large doses, propylene glycol is considered a toxic component for the respiratory system, can adversely affect the nervous and immune systems. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to use this component in moderate concentrations.
Penetrating into the human body, propylene glycol behaves as a protoplasmic and vascular poison, which can cause changes in the liver, kidneys and other organs. Pure propylene glycol leaves burns on the skin.
Vapors of this component do not irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, do not cause dangerous allergic reactions, but breathing with them is still not recommended. 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, drying of the upper layers of the epidermis intensifies.
When taken orally, side effects may occur in the form of bloating, vomiting, dizziness. Glycerin is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating 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 has a high diuretic effect, so we recommend taking it in moderation.
Glycerol fumes are too heavy to breathe and taste sweet. Cases of fainting from glycerol smoke were known. When using it, there is a need to use modern equipment that turns these fumes with the help of special liquids into harmless smoke.
Glycerin is poisonous. A pure, chemical substance is considered non-toxic in moderate doses. But with thermal decomposition and long storage, it forms acrolein, which is easily absorbed into the skin and causes cancer in large quantities. I would like to emphasize once again that glycerol fumes are especially dangerous, even if we forget about acrolein.
Comparison
Propylene glycol and glycerin have almost the same use. In our article we will try to figure out which component is better. Propylene glycol, glycerin are used in cosmetology, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, industry.
Glycerin and propylene glycol have similar physical properties. Glycerin has a higher viscosity, unlike propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is better absorbed into the skin. The 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, unlike glycerol. This component is cheaper than glycerin.
Glycerin has a more pronounced sweetish taste. Lighter than glycerin. Propylene glycol has a denser concentration. The molecules of these substances have similar bases. Propylene glycol, glycerin are composed of carbon atoms, hydrogen, oxygen, but their molecular formula and production process are different.
Interaction
In our article, we will consider the question of whether a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin can be useful. These substances in a certain ratio are used in various fields of production.
For example, propylene glycol and glycerin are part of the liquid for electronic cigarette cartridges. The vapor inhaled by the lover of electronic cigarettes is a certain ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol. During the decomposition of substances, acrolein is released, which in large doses can cause cancer.
These are the dangerous substances for humans that can be propylene glycol, glycerin! Nicotine, which is released in tobacco smoke, seems like baby talk! In addition, pairs 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 pairs settle in the lungs of a person, do not dissolve, are not excreted. It is worth guessing what will happen to a lover of electronic cigarettes in 15-20 years, when the lungs absorb these harmful substances.
Due to its adsorbing properties, propylene glycol is the main active component of the liquid for cartridges for electronic cigarettes. Comparison of substances is discussed above.
Note: currently in Russia about 65% of smokers use electronic cigarettes. This is a staggering figure when you consider that they are not cheap. The simplest device will cost 1000 rubles.
The components differ in their physical properties. It is very important to choose the right ratio of glycerol and propylene glycol. The following proportions are considered optimal: 70% propylene glycol, 30% glycerin. This is due to the fact that propylene glycol is easier to absorb smell and taste. For the production of liquids, glycerin and propylene glycol are mixed. Flavors are added last.
Where could I 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 cartridge liquids.
Glycerin and propylene glycol in bulk can be purchased at 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, examine reviews, certificates. At the moment, these components have different costs, 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
Over the past 15 years, there are few statistics on the use of propylene glycol and glycerol. However, it became known that the vapor of these substances is already causing less harm to human health. This is due to the use of new modern technologies in all industries. Substances and their effects are not yet sufficiently studied by man. How do glycerin and propylene glycol affect the body? The proportions of these components can be very different. It all 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, to study their interaction in order to make them harmless to the body. They must be beneficial to human health. This is the only way to ensure that these important components are in the service of man.