ANTIFREEZING AGENTS

Presented by: Hira Ahmed

Outline:
■ Introduction
■ Role of antifreeze
■ Benefits of antifreeze
■ Antifreeze proteins
■ Antifreeze protein in Cosmetics
■ Ethylene glycol
■ Propylene glycol
What is antifreeze/antifreezing agent?
Definition:
An antifreeze is defined as an additive that, when added to a water-based fluid, will reduce
the freezing point of the mixture.
Example:
Compounds such as; Ethylene glycol and Propylene glycol

Why we use antifreeze?

An antifreeze mixture is used to achieve freezing-point depression for cold environments.
Common antifreezes also increase the boiling point of the liquid.
Active ingredient:
Ethylene glycol
 Antifreezing agents in automobiles:

Antifreeze is also used in automobiles.

Ethylene and Propylene glycol are commonly added to water in automobile cooling systems
prevent damage to radiators.
Benefits of antifreeze:

■ High boiling point

■ Low freezing point
■ Low viscosity
■ Chemically inert
■ Stability over a range of temperatures
■ Improved heat transfer
 Antifreezing proteins (AFPs):
Antifreeze proteins, also known as ice structuring proteins, bind to ice crystals and subsequently
inhibit their growth and recrystallisation.
They are biological antifreeze materials originally found in polar fish. Also found in insects, bacteria
and plants in cold climates.
Function of antifreeze proteins:

■ Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) protect certain cold-adapted

organisms from freezing to death by selectively adsorbing
internal ice crystals and inhibiting ice propagation.
 Antifreeze proteins in cosmetics:
In the field of cosmetics, antifreeze proteins are used as an additive for preventing quality
degradation of cosmetics.
For instance, when cosmetics containing an oil component and a fat component are frozen,
the water contained in the cosmetics may be crystallised to form ice.
As a result, the oil and fat components are physically pressed, and the structure thereof is
destroyed, whereby the quality and sense of use of the cosmetics become deteriorated.
■ When an antifreeze protein is used in cosmetics, the degradation of quality can be
avoided since the crystallisation of water is prevented and the structure of the oil and the
fat components is maintained.
 Manufacturers of antifreeze proteins:

■ The major manufacturers that are actively participating and growing evidently in the
global antifreeze proteins market are:
■ Kaneka Corp
■ Aqua Bounty Technologies
■ Sirona Biochem
■ Unilever
■ ProtoKinetix.
Ethylene glycol:
Ethylene Glycol (EG):

■ Ethylene glycol is a chemical commonly used in many commercial and industrial

applications including antifreeze.
■ It also involves in depression of freezing point.
■ EG is also found in certain de-icers, cosmetics, adhesives, ink, detergents.
■ This is the primary ingredient in modern antifreeze. It’s a compound that prevents ice
crystal formation in water, dramatically lowering the freezing temperature. It’s literally
anti-freeze. This is also where the sweet smell and taste come from.
Depression in freezing point according to quantity of
ethylene glycol:
Role in cosmetics:

Ethylene glycols and their derivatives are used in cosmetics as:

■ Surfactants
■ Cleansing agents
■ Emulsifiers
■ Skin conditioners
■ Humectants.
Propylene glycol:
Propylene glycol:

Propylene glycol, also known as 1,2-propanediol, is a synthetic alcohol with the ability to
absorb water.
This ingredient exists as a viscous, colorless, almost odorless liquid with a mildly sweet
taste.
Propylene glycol is used in antifreeze because it lowers the freezing point of water by
disrupting the formation of ice crystals.
Propylene Glycol is used in more than 4,000 products or formulations in the cosmetic and
beauty industry.
It is used in ointments and creams such as corticosteroids.
 Other functions of propylene glycol:

The presence of propylene glycol in cosmetics serves as a humectant, preservative,

emulsifier, solvent or emollient in a variety of formulations, such as creams, lotions,
serums, shampoos and many more.
As an emulsifier, it can stabilize cosmetics to improve thickness, texture, and uniformity.
■ As an antifungal and antimicrobial agent, it can be used as a preservative
■ As humectant, it increase moisture retention in skin and hair. It is well tolerated by the
skin and shouldn’t cause redness or irritation.
Brands that use propylene glycol:

Propylene glycol is found in popular cosmetic brands products such as:

■ Neutrogena
■ L’Oreal
■ Olay
■ Chanel
■ Crème de la Mer
■ La Prairie
Products containing propylene glycol:

Cleansers
Moisturizers
Shampoos and Conditioners
Deodorants
Shaving preparations
■ Perfumes
Side effects on skin and precaution:
Side Effects:
■ Redness
■ Dryness
■ It can cause allergic reactions in the skin, known as contact dermatitis.
■ People who have eczema should not be using propylene-based cosmetics as it may
worsen the skin condition.
■ Studies suggest repeated application of this ingredient on the eye and nasal region may
develop some irritation.
Precautions:
■ Try to avoid the products that contain Propylene glycol if possible.
■ For this purpose, check the labelling of product to see the ingredients.
■ Don’t see Propylene Glycol in favorite skincare products. Check for some of its known
names: methyl ethyl glycol, propane-1,2-diol, and 1,2-dihydroxypropane , propane-1,
2-diol, and 1,2-dihydroxypropane.
Ethylene vs Propylene Glycol:

■ According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), propylene glycol is now

used in antifreeze instead of ethylene glycol because it is much less harmful.
■ The main difference between propylene glycol and ethylene is the level of toxicity.
Propylene glycol has a very low toxicity, which is why it is also found in cosmetics and
personal care products, whereas ethylene glycol is poisonous and must be handled with
caution to restrict any human or animal exposure.
Thank You!