Vegetable Glycerin Dangers

Vegetable glycerin is a thick, syrupy, sweet liquid that is derived from vegetable oils. This liquid is used as a lubricant emollient and humectant in various cosmetics and skin care products. Vegetable glycerin is also used in hair styling agents and conditioners—to smoothe and soften hair and allow it to retain moisture. It is mostly derived from palm and coconut oils and is commonly available in health food stores and through online merchants. While considered safe for most external applications, the substance is associated with some health hazards, which must be kept in mind before purchasing it or its derivatives.

Allergic Reactions

Vegetable glycerin derived from coconut and palm oil causes reactions in individuals who are allergic to these substances or their byproducts. Some vegetable glycerin products contain preservatives that are added to extend their shelf lives. Sulfite preservatives (compounds of oxygen and sulfur in combination with sodium sulfite or potassium sulfite) are popularly used to maintain the freshness of vegetable glycerin products, including soaps, shampoos and lotions. They produce asthma-like allergic reactions in allergy-prone individuals, the symptoms of which include:

• itching
  
• nausea
  
• dizziness
  
• diarrhea
  
• shortness of breath
  
• hives

Toxicity

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Some synthetic vegetable glycerins, such as propylene glycol, are associated with severe side effects.

Skin Irritant

Vegetable glycerins, including propylene glycol, are known to cause skin irritations. According to Jan E. Wahlberg and her co-authors in the book “Management of Positive Patch Test Reactions,” undiluted 10 percent and 50 percent propylene glycol is a skin irritant, and concentrations as low as 5 percent can also cause:

• irritation [2](# 'inline-reference::"Management of Positive Patch Test Reactions"; Jan E

Wahlberg
P. Elsner
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* Howard I. Maibach; 2003 (Pg 86)'). Natural vegetable glycerin, which comprises the active ingredient in many skin care products—including soaps, lotions and face-washes—also causes skin irritation in some users. According to Francine Milford in the book “Aroma Care: Make Your Own Perfume,” vegetable glycerin-based perfumes cause skin allergies in certain people 1.

Mucous Membrane Irritant

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According to D. R. Price in the book “Do You Have Kitchen Disease,” vegetable glycerin can cause irritation to mucous membranes.