Propylene glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless, and slightly syrupy liquid with a faintly sweet taste. It's also known as 1,2-dihydroxypropane, methyl ethylene glycol, or 1,2-propanediol. It's used in many industries, including: 

• Food and pharmaceutical: As an additive in food, cosmetics, and medicines 
• Chemical: As an antifreeze and in deicers, coolants, and heat transfer and hydraulic fluids 
• Paint and plastics: As a solvent for food colors and flavors, and in polyester compounds 
• Fire safety: As an artificial smoke and mists 

Propylene glycol is completely soluble in water and dissolves many organic compounds, such as fragrances, essential oils, and resins. It has several other features that make it a good solvent, including: 

• Damping action 
• Moisturizing action 
• Preservation action 
• Emulsifying action 
• High boiling point 
• Low freezing point 

Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid that absorbs water and is used in many industries, including food, pharmaceutical, paint, and plastics: 

Food

Propylene glycol is used as a solvent for food colors and flavors, and as an additive that the FDA considers "generally recognized as safe". It can also help maintain moisture in food products. 

Pharmaceuticals

Propylene glycol is used as a solvent in topical glucocorticoids and other medicines, including diazepam, etomidate, and lorazepam. It can also help maintain moisture in medicines. However, some medications that use propylene glycol have been implicated in toxicity in children. 

Cosmetics

Propylene glycol can help attract moisture from the air to soften skin and hair, and limit bacterial growth. It can also help give cosmetic products a longer shelf life. 

Paint and plastics

Propylene glycol is used as a solvent in the paint and plastics industries. 

Other uses

Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, as a base for deicing solutions, and to create artificial smoke or fog for fire-fighting training and theatrical productions.