Skincare Ingredient
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Propanediol
In Skincare: Is Propanediol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Propanediol is also referred to as 1,3-propanediol.
- 02
This ingredient enhances the absorption of other skincare ingredients to potentially improve their efficacy.
- 03
Propanediol functions as an emollient, solvent, or a component supporting the preservative system in formulations.
- 04
Propanediol can be obtained from natural sources like corn or produced through synthetic methods.
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Propanediol is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated ingredient with a low potential for causing skin sensitivity.
Key Benefits
What Propanediol does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Role of Propanediol
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
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 Propanediol
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References
Scientific sources
PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Propanediol — common questions
What is Propanediol in skincare?
Propanediol is a skincare ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations.
What does Propanediol do? / Functions of Propanediol?
Common functions: SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Propanediol? / Is Propanediol comedogenic?
Propanediol has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Propanediol is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Propanediol safe for skin?
Propanediol has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally regarded as safe solvent/humectant (CIR/industry assessments); low irritation and sensitization potential; no strong evidence of carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption at cosmetic use level
Is Propanediol good for sensitive skin?
Propanediol has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Propanediol in skincare?
Known considerations: Generally regarded as safe solvent/humectant (CIR/industry assessments); low irritation and sensitization potential; no strong evidence of carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption at cosmetic use levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that propanediol is safe in cosmetics as currently used.