Is E1520 (Propylene glycol) Halal?
Generally halal
E1520 (Propylene glycol) is a synthetic humectant and carrier solvent; it is not an intoxicating alcohol and has no animal origin, so it is generally considered halal.
What is E1520?
Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid used to keep foods moist and to carry flavours and colours. Despite 'glycol' in the name, it is not the same as ethanol (drinking alcohol) and does not intoxicate.
Manufactured by chemical synthesis (from propylene oxide). No animal-derived raw materials.
Why is it generally halal?
Propylene glycol is synthesised with no animal component and is not an intoxicant, so it is generally classified as halal. It should not be confused with ethanol (E1510). As always, the finished product still needs its own verification.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Flavour and colour carriers
- Icings, fillings and cake mixes
- Soft drinks and some dairy
- Medicines and personal-care products
How it appears on labels
Propylene glycolE1520Propane-1,2-diolHumectant (E1520)INS number: 1520
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E1520 (propylene glycol) halal?
Yes — it is a synthetic humectant/solvent that is not an intoxicating alcohol and has no animal origin, so it is generally considered halal. The finished product still needs verification.
Is propylene glycol alcohol?
It is a 'glycol', not ethanol (drinking alcohol). It does not intoxicate and is generally considered halal — unlike ethanol (E1510).
What names should I look for?
'Propylene glycol', 'Propane-1,2-diol' or 'E1520'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Propylene glycol (E 1520) — food additive information — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Synthetic origin and uses
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.