2: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Propylene Carbonate

Abstract

Propylene Carbonate is a nonviscous, clear liquid that is used in cosmetic products at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 5%. Undiluted Propylene Carbonate produced minimal to moderate ocular irritation and slight erythema in rabbits. The dermal LD50 in rabbits of the undiluted ingredient was >20 ml/kg. Undiluted Propylene Carbonate was nontoxic by inhalation to dogs and guinea pigs in a 21-day study. Propylene Carbonate was negative for mutagenicity in the Ames Assay, and negative for genotoxicity in the Rat He-patocyte Primary Culture/DNA Repair Test. In clinical studies, undiluted Propylene Carbonate caused moderate skin irritation, whereas 5 and 10% Propylene Carbonate in aqueous solution produced no skin irritation or sensitization. Cosmetic products containing up to 20% Propylene Carbonate were essentially nonsensitizing and, at most, moderately irritating to human skin, nonphototoxic, and nonphotosensitizing. It is concluded that Propylene Carbonate is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration.