TCS Industries Limited (China-sourced API supplier) supplies Propylene Glycol –- Solvent, Humectant & Co-Emulsifier CAS 57-55-6 for pharmaceutical B2B procurement — COA, MSDS, and technical documentation available on request.
> Overview
| Product Name | Propylene Glycol –- Solvent, Humectant & Co-Emulsifier |
|---|---|
| Structural Formula |  |
| CAS Number | 57-55-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 76.09 g/mol |
| InChIKey | DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | Available on request where applicable |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless, viscous liquid |
| Purity / Grade | By agreed specification and batch COA |
| Storage | Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place |
Propylene Glycol (CAS 57-55-6, PG) is a diol with the formula C₃H₈O₂ (MW 76.09). It is a colourless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid with a slight sweet taste. Propylene glycol is used as a pharmaceutical solvent, co-solvent, humectant, and preservative enhancer in oral, topical, parenteral, and inhalation formulations. It is also a standard food additive (E1520) and cosmetic ingredient.
TCS Industries Limited, a Hong Kong-based trading and sourcing company, supplies Propylene Glycol in pharmaceutical (USP/Ph.Eur.) and food grades for global procurement programs.
> Applications
Pharmaceutical solvent and co-solvent
Propylene glycol is used as a co-solvent (10–60%) in oral solutions, injectable preparations, and topical formulations to dissolve poorly water-soluble drugs. It enhances skin penetration in topical formulations and serves as a vehicle for drug delivery. Sullivan et al. (Fundam Appl Toxicol, 1985, 5:S120–S127) reviewed the toxicology and safe use levels of propylene glycol in pharmaceutical and food applications.
Food additive and cosmetic humectant
Propylene glycol (E1520) is used in food as a humectant, solvent for flavors and colors, and emulsifier. In cosmetics, it functions as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier in creams, lotions, deodorants, and hair care products. It is also used as a carrier in e-cigarette liquids and theatrical fog machines.
> Sourcing & Supply
TCS Industries Limited supports development, qualification and commercial purchasing discussions for Propylene Glycol –- Solvent, Humectant & Co-Emulsifier with buyers in South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.
- Evaluation and commercial quantities: 25 kg jerrycans for qualification; 215 kg drums and IBC for production. Pharmaceutical (USP/Ph.Eur.) and food (FCC/E1520) grades available.
- Pallet quantities and production campaigns: repeat supply is coordinated against packaging, lead time, annual demand and destination-market import requirements.
> Quality & Documentation
Key specification parameters include assay (≥99.5%), water content (≤0.2%), specific gravity (1.035–1.040 at 25 °C), acidity, residue on ignition, chloride, sulfate, heavy metals (Pb ≤0.5 ppm), arsenic, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol (identity test required per USP), reducing substances, colour, and microbial limits. Clear, colourless, viscous liquid. Meets USP, Ph.Eur. (Propylenglycolum), and FCC. COA and MSDS are standard.
> Packaging
Propylene glycol is a clear, colourless, viscous liquid, hygroscopic. Standard packaging includes 25 kg HDPE jerrycans, 215 kg steel drums, or 1000 kg IBC. Store at room temperature in sealed containers. Protect from moisture absorption. Shelf life is typically 24 months. Labels and documents are checked before dispatch.
> Pricing & MOQ
Pricing is quoted by specification, packaging and destination. Common commercial discussions use 25 kg bag/drum formats, pallet quantities and production-campaign planning; smaller samples may be reviewed for qualified formulation teams.
> Regulatory & Compounding Context
Propylene glycol is monographed in USP, Ph.Eur. (Propylenglycolum), BP, and FCC. GRAS in the US (21 CFR 184.1666). Approved as a food additive in the EU (E1520, maximum use levels by food category). Listed in the FDA IID for oral, topical, parenteral, ophthalmic, otic, and inhalation dosage forms. ADI: 25 mg/kg bw/day (JECFA). No special import permits.
> Alias Index
- IUPAC: Propane-1,2-diol
- CAS Number: 57-55-6
- Formula: C₃H₈O₂ (MW 76.09)
- EU food additive: E1520
- Pharmacopoeial name: Propylenglycolum (Ph.Eur.)
- Abbreviation: PG
- InChIKey: DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- Commercial request terms: propylene glycol USP, PG pharma grade, E1520, pharmaceutical co-solvent, cosmetic humectant, TCS Industries Limited
> FAQ
Is Propylene Glycol safe for pharmaceutical use?
Yes, at established use levels. PG has a long safety record in oral, topical, and parenteral formulations. ADI is 25 mg/kg bw/day (JECFA). Toxicity concerns exist only at very high parenteral doses (>25 g/day IV in adults, risk of lactic acidosis and hyperosmolality). Neonatal and pediatric formulations have lower PG limits per EMA guidelines.
What documents are available for Propylene Glycol –- Solvent, Humectant & Co-Emulsifier orders?
COA and MSDS are standard for commercial discussions. COO, packing list, invoice and other import-support documents can be arranged according to order scope.
Can TCS Industries Limited support Propylene Glycol –- Solvent, Humectant & Co-Emulsifier supply to South America?
Yes. We support B2B buyers in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname, subject to route and document review.
Do you support Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada?
Yes. These destinations can be reviewed for project supply, import documents, packaging and logistics planning before quotation.
Is Propylene Glycol the same as Ethylene Glycol?
No. Propylene glycol (PG, MW 76) is safe for food and pharmaceutical use. Ethylene glycol (EG, MW 62) is toxic (antifreeze poisoning, renal failure) and must never be used in food or pharmaceutical products. They are different compounds. USP requires identity testing to confirm absence of EG in PG.
What is the maximum PG concentration in injectables?
PG concentration in parenteral products is typically limited to 40–68% depending on the product and route. High-concentration PG can cause hemolysis, pain at injection site, and osmolality issues. FDA has flagged PG accumulation risk in neonates. Check specific product guidance and EMA pediatric guidelines for safe limits.
Can you arrange samples before commercial purchasing?
Samples or evaluation quantities may be reviewed for qualified buyers after target specification, application and destination-market requirements are clarified.
How is Propylene Glycol –- Solvent, Humectant & Co-Emulsifier packaged for export?
Packaging is confirmed by quantity and material properties. Typical options include foil bags, HDPE containers, fibre drums, 25 kg bags or palletized export packaging.
Can buyer-defined specifications be reviewed?
Yes. Send the specification, methods, impurity limits and required documents. TCS can review feasibility before confirming quotation and lead time.
What payment terms are normally used?
Standard payment is 100% T/T before dispatch unless a different arrangement has been approved for an established commercial account.
What lead time should buyers expect?
Lead time depends on stock, batch size, document scope and destination. Available stock can move faster; made-to-order or pallet programs require longer planning.
Can Propylene Glycol be used as an antifreeze?
Yes. Food-grade PG is used as a non-toxic antifreeze in food processing equipment, brewery systems, and HVAC. It provides freeze protection to -50 °C at 60% concentration. This is a distinct application from pharmaceutical use. Industrial-grade PG (not USP) is used for this purpose.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Evaluation and research orders (≤10 kg) are shipped with COA, MSDS, and certificate of origin. Bulk commercial orders (>10 kg) qualify for volume pricing with a full technical documentation package available on request.
> Request a Quote
If your team already has a target application, estimated quantity, destination market, or documentation requirements, send those details so the commercial response can be prepared more efficiently.