Skincare Ingredient
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Propylene Glycol
In Skincare: Is Propylene Glycol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Propylene glycol functions as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
- 02
This ingredient can improve the penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
- 03
Propylene glycol helps stabilize cosmetic formulations by preventing melting in high heat and freezing in low temperatures.
- 04
With a long history of safe use, propylene glycol is found in thousands of personal care products.
- 05
Chemically known as 1,2-propanediol, propylene glycol is a common ingredient in cosmetics.
Key Benefits
What Propylene Glycol does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Propylene Glycol
Role of Propylene 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.
HUMECTANT
Moisture MagnetAttracts and retains moisture in skin and hair
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Humectant ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers through hygroscopic properties. Common humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These contain multiple hydroxyl groups or other hydrophilic functional groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Mechanism involves attracting water to the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss, and increasing skin hydration.
SKIN CONDITIONING - HUMECTANT
Hydration BoosterDraws moisture into skin for hydration
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Humectant-type skin conditioners attract and bind water to increase skin hydration. Key ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, urea, and propylene glycol. These hygroscopic molecules form hydrogen bonds with water from dermis and environment, increasing water content in stratum corneum. The mechanism involves osmotic gradient creation and water binding through hydrophilic functional groups. Results in plumping effect and improved skin flexibility.
SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS
General Skin ImproverImproves skin condition through various mechanisms
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: This category includes skin conditioning ingredients working through mechanisms not classified as emollient, humectant, or occlusive. May include antioxidants providing protective conditioning, peptides supporting structural proteins, botanical extracts with various bioactive effects, or ingredients that improve skin condition through multiple simultaneous mechanisms. Provides diverse skin benefits that dont fit into other specific subcategories.
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 Propylene Glycol
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Propylene Glycol — common questions
What is Propylene Glycol in skincare?
Propylene glycol, also known as 1,2-propanediol, is a synthetic alcohol. It’s a viscous, colorless liquid with a faint, slightly sweet taste and is nearly odorless. Propylene glycol is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products such as facial cleansers, moisturizers, bath soaps, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and shaving preparations. It’s also found in some food products (beer, baked goods, dairy, coffee, nuts, and soda) and as an inactive ingredient in certain medications. The
What does Propylene Glycol do? / Functions of Propylene Glycol?
Common functions: FRAGRANCE, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING - HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Propylene Glycol? / Is Propylene Glycol comedogenic?
Propylene 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?
Propylene Glycol is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Propylene Glycol safe for skin?
Propylene Glycol has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Limited safety data available for long-term use in high concentrations; may increase skin penetration of other ingredients, requiring caution in formulations with potentially irritating actives.
Is Propylene Glycol good for sensitive skin?
Propylene Glycol has an irritancy rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 means it may cause mild irritation for some.
What are the side effects of Propylene Glycol in skincare?
Known considerations: Limited safety data available for long-term use in high concentrations; may increase skin penetration of other ingredients, requiring caution in formulations with potentially irritating actives. Additional risks: skin irritation (irritancy rating 3/5).