Propylene glycol has multiple functions and uses, as follows:

1. In the field of cosmetics:

-Moisturizing agent: Propylene glycol has good hygroscopicity, which can absorb moisture from the air and keep it on the surface of the skin, providing moisturizing effect and keeping the skin moist and soft. It is commonly used in skin care cream, lotion, toner, essence and other products.

-* * Solvent * *: It can dissolve many ingredients in cosmetics, such as fragrances, pigments, active ingredients, etc., helping these ingredients to be evenly dispersed in the product, ensuring the texture and effectiveness of the cosmetics. For example, many makeup products, such as eye shadow and lipstick, need propylene glycol as a solvent to help mix various ingredients evenly.

-Penetrating agent: It can penetrate into the stratum corneum of the skin and accumulate, increasing the solubility of active ingredients in the stratum corneum and promoting the absorption of other skincare ingredients in cosmetics by the skin.

-Anti corrosion effect: It has certain antibacterial and anti-corrosion properties, which can extend the shelf life of cosmetics and reduce the growth of bacteria and microorganisms in the product.

2. * * In the field of medicine * *:

-* * Solvent * *: It is a commonly used solvent in many pharmaceutical formulations, especially suitable for drugs that are unstable or insoluble in water. For example, some oral liquids, injections, topical ointments, ointments, pills, and other medications may add propylene glycol to dissolve the drug components for better absorption by the human body.

-Stabilizers and preservatives can increase the stability of drugs and prevent them from decomposing, deteriorating, and other issues during storage and use. Meanwhile, its preservative effect helps to extend the shelf life of drugs.

-* * Oral medication * *: In the veterinary field, propylene glycol is used as an oral animal medication to treat high blood ketosis in ruminants. It can become a source of blood sugar, increase insulin response, reduce body fat use and concentration of non esterified fatty acids and ketones in the blood, and increase animal feed intake.

3. In the food industry:

-* * Food additive * *: According to relevant standards, the functions of propylene glycol are stabilizer and coagulant, anti caking agent, defoamer, emulsifier, moisture retention agent, and thickener. There are clear limits on the dosage in wet noodle products and pastries, which are 1.5g/kg and 3g/kg, respectively.

-* * Solvent and Carrier * *: Can be used as a solvent and carrier for seasonings and food coloring, helping these substances to dissolve and disperse better in food.

-Food processing aids: can be used as solvents, wetting agents, fruit ripening preservatives, plasticizers for food packaging, and lubricants for food machinery in food processing.

4. In the field of plastic industry:

-Production of Unsaturated Polyester Resin: Unsaturated polyester resin produced from propylene glycol is widely used in the manufacturing of surface coatings and reinforced plastics, especially in the reinforcement of glass fibers. It can be used to manufacture automotive components, ship hulls, building materials, and sports equipment.

-Plastic additives: Propylene glycol can be used as an additive in plastic processing to improve the processing and physical properties of plastics.

5. * * Applications in other industries * *:

-Tobacco industry: It is a tobacco wetting agent, which, like plant glycerin, is one of the main components of the "e-liquid" in electronic cigarettes. It can maintain the moisture of tobacco and improve the taste during smoking.

-Coatings and Ink Industry: As a solvent and film-forming agent, it helps to evenly disperse and dry coatings and inks, improving the quality and performance of coatings.

-Antifreeze: It can be used as one of the components of antifreeze and is used as a thermal conductive medium for cooling systems such as automobiles, ships, large cooling towers, and solar energy. It has good antifreeze and frost resistance properties.