Propylene Glycol in Cleaning Products and Neurotoxicity Risks
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/2/2026
The hidden solvent in your cleaning cabinet
You probably have a bottle of cleaner or personal care product under your sink right now that contains propylene glycol ethers. A 2026 study published in Toxics found that these chemicals are used in nearly 10,000 registered products, including common household cleaners and personal care items. The kicker? Despite their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, they aren't even required to undergo standard neurotoxicity testing.
Why high volume doesn't mean high safety
Researchers identified propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) as the most common offender, with production volumes reaching up to 1,000,000 tons per year. These solvents are designed to penetrate surfaces, but they also penetrate your skin and lungs. When you spray these cleaners, you are effectively inhaling chemicals that have never been cleared for their impact on your nervous system.
What you can do today
You don't have to wait for regulators to catch up to the science. Start by checking your labels for glycol ethers and ditching the heavy-duty chemical sprays. You can maintain a clean home without relying on industrial solvents that haven't been proven safe for your brain. We have curated a list of non-toxic home alternatives that get the job done without the neurotoxic trade-off. Switch to safer ingredients today.