Comparing E1503 - Castor oil vs E1520 - Propylene Glycol
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 108 products
Found in 3,052 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is castor oil good for?
In foods, castor oil (E1503) serves as a carrier/carrier solvent and emulsifier to help dissolve and evenly distribute colors and flavors. Outside food use, refined castor oil is also used in cosmetics as an emollient, but that’s separate from its role as a food additive.
Is castor oil good for skin?
Cosmetic-grade castor oil can act as an occlusive moisturizer and skin softener, but evidence for special skin benefits is limited and some people may experience irritation or breakouts. Use cosmetic-grade only, patch test first, and note that food-additive E1503 isn’t intended for topical use.
Is castor oil good for hair?
It can help condition hair and scalp by providing occlusive moisture, but there’s no solid evidence it promotes hair growth or thickness. Use sparingly (often diluted) to avoid heaviness or buildup.
What is castor oil used for?
As a food additive (E1503), it’s authorized in the EU as a carrier/carrier solvent and emulsifier in color and flavor preparations to ensure even dispersion. Other uses in cosmetics and industry exist but are outside food-additive regulation.
How to use castor oil on face?
If using it cosmetically, apply a small amount of cosmetic-grade castor oil diluted with a lighter oil to damp skin and patch test first, avoiding the eye area. Stop use if irritation or breakouts occur; this is separate from its intended food-additive use.
Is propylene glycol safe?
Yes—E1520 is authorized in the EU and considered GRAS by the FDA when used within limits; the ADI is 25 mg/kg body weight per day. Very high exposures (mainly from medicines), especially in infants or those with kidney/liver impairment, can cause adverse effects.
What is propylene glycol used for?
In foods it functions as a humectant and solvent/carrier for flavors, colors, and emulsifiers, helping retain moisture and distribute ingredients evenly. It’s commonly used in baked goods, icings, confectionery, and flavor extracts.
Does propylene glycol cause cancer?
No—propane-1,2-diol has not shown carcinogenic effects in studies and is not classified as a human carcinogen. Regulatory evaluations report no cancer concern at permitted food-use levels.
Is propylene glycol antifreeze?
Propylene glycol is used in “low-toxicity” antifreeze and cooling systems, whereas the more toxic antifreeze is typically ethylene glycol. Food-grade propylene glycol is the same chemical but produced to high purity and used at much lower amounts in foods.
Is propylene glycol bad for you?
For most people, typical amounts in foods are not harmful and are well below the ADI (25 mg/kg body weight/day). Some individuals may experience irritation or rare allergic reactions, and excessive exposure—mainly from pharmaceuticals—can be problematic.