Propylene Glycol

Mechanism-of-action class: Surfactant Activity.

• Uses for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye for the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind or sun for use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye for use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye

Directions shake well before using put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed see side of carton for directions for use

For external use only

1. 1Eye Irritation1,51123%
2. 2Vision Blurred92014%
3. 3Eye Pain77912%
4. 4Drug Ineffective70211%
5. 5Ocular Hyperaemia6269.5%
6. 6Dry Eye5518.4%
7. 7Eye Pruritus4597.0%
8. 8Product Quality Issue4166.3%
9. 9Foreign Body Sensation In Eyes3655.6%
10. 10Lacrimation Increased2814.3%
11. 11Nausea2634.0%
12. 12Asthenopia2573.9%
13. 13Eye Discharge2503.8%
14. 14Headache2313.5%
15. 15Off Label Use2113.2%

Recent PubMed references pinned to Propylene Glycol as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

• Deoxyhexose metabolism of food-related Lactobacillaceae and identification of a distinctive 1,2-propanediol utilization pathway in Liquorilactobacillus ghanensis DSM 18630.
  Food microbiology · 2026 · Elvan Gezer M, Ayoubi L, Bruheim P, et al.
  PMID 42215198DOI 10.1016/j.fm.2026.105118
• The Dark Side of Green Energy: Glycol Waste and the Microbes That Can Transform It.
  Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026 · Dybka JA, Tomczyk K, Szczepańczyk M, et al.
  PMID 42197216DOI 10.3390/molecules31101662
• Combining ultra-high pressure with propylene glycol and trehalose to inhibit co-elution of off-flavor components during liver protein extraction.
  Food chemistry · 2026 · Peng H, Li X, Yang Q, et al.
  PMID 42102461DOI 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.149496
• 1,2-propanediol ameliorated radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice.
  Scientific reports · 2026 · Zhao J, Zhao C, Shen X, et al.
  PMID 41813933DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-43614-5
• Effect of a propylene-glycol-hydroxypropyl guar nanoemulsion on symptoms and ocular surface parameters in patients with evaporative dry eye.
  Arquivos brasileiros de oftalmologia · 2026 · Cartes C, Zapata C, Lopez C, et al.
  PMID 41810656DOI 10.5935/0004-2749.2025-0148
• Disulfiram-like reaction due to the interaction between vaping and metronidazole: a case report.
  British dental journal · 2026 · Strickland-Baker M
  PMID 41577777DOI 10.1038/s41415-025-9199-9
• Determination of the adulteration of benzyl alcohol and dipropylene glycol in sage, mint, and oregano essential oils belonging to the Lamiaceae Family by FTIR using Chemometry and 2D-COS.
  Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy · 2026 · Tarhan İ, Ismail AA
  PMID 41429759DOI 10.1016/j.saa.2025.127085
• Aerosol PG/VG mass ratio-based regulatory indicators for electronic cigarette device oversight: Linking heating temperature to harmful carbonyl formation in aerosols.
  Journal of hazardous materials · 2025 · Oh SG, Kim YH
  PMID 41297268DOI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140578

The 10 most recently updated of 322 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Propylene Glycol as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

• A Clinical Trial to Assess the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Propylene Glycol (PG) in Healthy Adults Following PG Exposure
  Not yet recruiting · Interventional · 30 enrolled · American Beverage Association
  NCT07644169updated 2026-06-12
• A Study to Assess Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Skincare Products on Psoriasis Patients
  Completed · Phase 4 · Interventional · 46 enrolled · Galderma R&D
  NCT06357221updated 2026-06-09
• Safety and Efficacy of Fingolimod in Pediatric Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
  Active not recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 240 enrolled · Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  NCT01892722updated 2026-06-08
• Evaluation of Daily Disposable Toric Soft Lenses Manufactured With an Alternative Hydration Process
  Completed · Interventional · 281 enrolled · Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
  NCT06967129updated 2026-06-05
• A Study to Learn More About The Safety of Diroximel Fumarate (VUMERITY®) in Participants Who Took it During Pregnancy And About the Health of Their Babies
  Active not recruiting · Observational · 1,178 enrolled · Biogen
  NCT05688436updated 2026-06-04
• Safety and Efficacy Study of Fingolimod in Taiwanese Adults (≥ 20years) With Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
  Recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 30 enrolled · Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  NCT04480853updated 2026-05-29
• Impact of Electronic Cigarette Temperature and Solvent on Biomarkers
  Not yet recruiting · Interventional · 50 enrolled · Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
  NCT07612696updated 2026-05-29
• Pregabalin Phonophoresis and MET for Knee Osteoarthritis
  Recruiting · Interventional · 35 enrolled · University of Faisalabad
  NCT07598474updated 2026-05-20
• Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
  Active not recruiting · Observational · 781,430 enrolled · Brigham and Women's Hospital
  NCT05220917updated 2026-05-15
• Efficacy and Safety of Ofatumumab and Siponimod Compared to Fingolimod in Pediatric Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
  Active not recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 129 enrolled · Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  NCT04926818updated 2026-05-14

Frequently asked questions

How does Propylene Glycol work?

Mechanism-of-action class: Surfactant Activity.

What is Propylene Glycol used for?

According to FDA labeling, Propylene Glycol carries indications including: Uses for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye for the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind or sun for use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye for use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

What class of drug is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol is classified as Surfactant Activity.

What are the brand names for Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol is marketed under brand names including Ocusan Dry Eyes, Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops.