Skincare Ingredient
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Dipropylene Glycol
In Skincare: Is Dipropylene Glycol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Dipropylene glycol functions as a synthetic slip agent, texturizer, and solvent in cosmetic formulations.
- 02
Dipropylene glycol is a byproduct generated during the production of propylene glycol.
- 03
This ingredient appears as a colorless and odorless liquid.
- 04
The CIR Expert Panel has determined dipropylene glycol to be safe for use in cosmetics as currently practiced.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Dipropylene Glycol
Role of Dipropylene Glycol
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
FRAGRANCE
Scent ProviderAdds pleasant scent to cosmetic products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Fragrance ingredients provide aromatic appeal through essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts. These volatile compounds interact with olfactory receptors creating scent perception. Fragrance design considers top notes (high volatility), middle notes (moderate volatility), and base notes (low volatility) for scent development over time. Must consider stability, allergen content, and regulatory compliance.
PERFUMING
Fragrance ProviderProvides fragrance to enhance product appeal
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.
SOLVENT
Ingredient DissolverDissolves other ingredients to create uniform formulations
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Solvents dissolve, dilute, or disperse other ingredients creating homogeneous solutions. Water is universal solvent for hydrophilic ingredients. Organic solvents include ethanol (dissolves fragrances, some actives), propylene glycol, and glycerin. Selection based on polarity matching between solvent and solute. Mechanism involves disrupting intermolecular forces in solute and surrounding with solvent molecules. Critical for maintaining ingredient solubility and product stability.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Dipropylene Glycol
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References
Scientific sources
Toxicology in Vitro, December 2020, Volume 69
International Journal of Pharmaceutics: X, December 2019, Volume 1, ePublication
International Journal of Toxicology, 2006, Volume 25, Supplement 2, pages 1-89
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dipropylene Glycol — common questions
What is Dipropylene Glycol in skincare?
Dipropylene glycol is a clear, practically colorless liquid. It’s one of several glycols (including Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, and Ethoxydiglycol) commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. These glycols are alcohols with two hydroxyl groups, also known as diols.
What does Dipropylene Glycol do? / Functions of Dipropylene Glycol?
Common functions: FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Dipropylene Glycol? / Is Dipropylene Glycol comedogenic?
Dipropylene Glycol has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Dipropylene Glycol is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Dipropylene Glycol safe for skin?
Dipropylene Glycol has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), dipropylene glycol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to
Is Dipropylene Glycol good for sensitive skin?
Dipropylene Glycol has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Dipropylene Glycol in skincare?
Known considerations: May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), dipropylene glycol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50%. Limited reports of allergic reactions exist, and it is generally well-tolerated across a wide range of formulations.