Propylene glycol USP/EP

Uses and applications

Propylene glycol USP/EP (pharmaceutical grade)

Pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol USP/EP is a light, transparent liquid, almost odorless and with low volatility. It is completely soluble in water and in most organic solvents. In addition, all propylene glycols have a great capacity to hold and dissolve active ingredients equally which allows them to serve as carriers of aromas, flavors, dyes and moisture.

Its wide range of applications includes medicines, local anesthesia, vitamins and hormones, and antiseptics and vaccines, among others.

Pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol USP/EP is qualified and approved for use as an excipient in pharmaceutical applications, as it acts as a solvent and extraction agent for a wide range of active ingredients. Its dispersing capacity also provides an equitable distribution of the active ingredient.

A Yorkie eating food with propylene glycol USP/EP in it.

Food grade propylene glycol USP/ EP

Pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol USP/EP is the only grade that is safe for use in food.

Because propylene glycol USP/EP is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it has become the ideal carrier of distinctive flavors of a wide variety of foods common in our daily lives.

This product is approved for use as a food additive under number E1520 (with a strict maximum limit of 1 g/kg in human food) being used as a:

Carrier of dyes, emulsifiers, and antioxidants with a maximum permitted level of 1,000 mg/kg in the end food product.
Carrier in food enzymes with a maximum permitted level of 500 g/kg of enzymes.
Carrier of food aromas.
Nutrient carrier with a maximum allowable level of 1,000 mg/kg in the final feed.

Pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol USP/EP is also used in food for animals due to its inherent property of attracting water, helping to keep feed moist, fresh, chewy, and easier to digest for dogs and livestock alike.

In 2010, propylene glycol was reclassified as an animal feed material under EU Regulation 767/2009/EC, repealing the previous list as a feed additive with the number E490.

The applications of propylene glycol USP/EP as an animal food additive include:

As a humectant to provide moisture and flavor.
As a solvent, stabilizer, and preservative to maintain proper feeding for longer use.
Additive to increase energy supply.

Productos cosméticos elaborados con propilen glicol

Propylene glycol for cosmetics and personal hygiene

Repsol Materials products are used to manufacture multiple and varied products for daily use that improve the quality of life, well-being and safety of people.

MPG USP/EP monopropylene glycol is widely used in creams due to its excellent properties:

As a humectant, it maintains the moisture in creams.
It provides lipsticks with a consistent texture.
It keeps the components of body lotions homogeneous.
It ensures shampoos have sufficient foam and consistency.

Propylene glycol is also present in a large number of applications: deodorants, nail polish, soaps, shaving products, oral hygiene products, and others.

DPG PER dipropylene glycol is widely used in perfumery for its impact on odors and perfumes.

Catalogs

Everyday materials, made just for you

Our products are present in articles used to improve people's quality of life, providing safety and reliability for health and treatments. We offer:

High-quality products

Excellent logistics service

Technical assistance and development

We manufacture propylene glycol USP/EP under strict supervision to ensure quality and safety in production, as well as from handling to end customer delivery, offering a high-quality product in compliance with US and EU pharmacopoeias and others.

All our production and sales comply with:

Good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Pharmaceutical exipient guides from the International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC).
Guidelines for the Handing and Distribution of Propylene Glycol USP/EP (Pharmaceutical Grade) developed by European manufacturers under the direction of the Propylene Oxide/Propylene Glycol Sector Group, as part of their responsible surveillance program, for the handling and distribution of their products.

Glycol certifications

Our propylene glycols have the Halal and Kosher certifications, which accredit them as suitable for use or ingestion by those who profess the Muslim or Jewish religions, respectively.

Propylene glycols, thanks to their optimal properties and quality, are present in areas as varied as perfumery, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical products. Its use must comply with strict regulations such as the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

See our online grade catalog

Download the technical and safety data sheets

Propylene glycols

Product safety

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Updated as of July 2026