Propylene Glycol

Bueno

Humectante

Propylene Glycol at a glance

  • Functions as a humectant (hydrating ingredient)
  • Can enhance the delivery of key actives into skin
  • Plays a role in keeping formulas from melting in high heat or freezing in low temps
  • Used in thousands of personal care products with a proven track record of safety
  • Also known as 1,2-propanediol

Propylene Glycol description

Propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrator) that can enhance the delivery of key active ingredients into skin. It also plays a role in keeping formulas from melting in high heat or from freezing in low temps. Also known as 1,2-propanediol, propylene glycol is used in thousands of personal care products with a proven track record of safety. As a raw material, it is a clear, purified liquid that is produced synthetically. There are some websites that state propylene glycol is really industrial antifreeze and that it is a strong skin sensitizer. They further point out that the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on propylene glycol warns users to avoid skin contact. As ominous as this sounds, it’s far from the reality of how propylene glycol is used in cosmetics formulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board and other groups have analyzed the toxicology data and exposure studies concerning topical application of propylene glycol as commonly used in cosmetics. Their conclusion was that it is safe and does not pose a health risk to consumers. Concentrations of up to 73% have been reported with leave-on products; for rinse-off products, higher concentrations are permissible.

Propylene Glycol references

  • 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

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Calificaciones de ingredientes

Excelente

Ingrediente sobresaliente con beneficios reales para la piel. Su eficacia está demostrada y respaldada por estudios independientes.

Bueno

Aunque no son tan beneficiosos como los de la categoría excelente, suelen ser necesarios para mejorar la textura, la estabilidad o la absorción de una fórmula.

Aceptable

Puede presentar ciertas limitaciones en cuanto a su apariencia, estabilidad o eficacia. A veces, son ingredientes básicos o que no cuentan con suficiente respaldo científico.

Poco recomendable

Aunque puede ofrecer algunos beneficios se recomienda evitarlo por su probabilidad de causar irritación, especialmente si se combina con otros ingredientes problemáticos.

Desaconsejable

Ha demostrado provocar efectos adversos como irritación, inflamación o sequedad, especialmente si se utiliza en altas concentraciones o junto con otros ingredientes irritantes.

Desconocido

No hemos encontrado este ingrediente en nuestro diccionario. Registramos todos los ingredientes desconocidos y actualizamos la información de forma continua.

Sin calificar

Ingrediente registrado, pero con la información científica disponible pendiente de revisar.