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Catalog Number | CI-SC-0633 |
Product Name | Propanediol (Natural) |
CAS | 504-63-2 |
Structure | ![]() |
Description | Propanediol (Natural) is a colorless and odorless liquid that is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products, and food. It is a naturally derived alternative to petroleum-based glycols, such as propylene glycol. Here are some aspects of Propanediol (Natural): 1. Source: Propanediol (Natural) is derived from renewable sources such as corn sugar or other plant-based materials. 2. Properties: It is a humectant, which means it has the ability to absorb moisture from the surroundings and retain it. It is also a solvent, which can dissolve other substances. 3. Uses in cosmetics: Propanediol (Natural) is used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. 4. Uses in personal care products: It is used in personal care products such as deodorant, hair care products, and oral care products because of its antimicrobial properties. |
Appearance | clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor |
Application | 1. Propanediol (Natural) is commonly used as a solvent in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. 2. It can be used as a humectant in skincare products, improving the skin's hydration and moisture retention. 3. Propanediol (Natural) is also used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products, such as lotions and conditioners. 4. It has the ability to enhance the absorption of other active ingredients in products, making them more effective. 5. Propanediol (Natural) can be used as a substitute for synthetic propylene glycol, which has potential health and environmental concerns. 6. It is considered a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic compounds, making it a preferable choice for many consumers. |
Features And Benefits | 1. Moisturizes the skin 2. Softens and smoothes the skin 3. Enhances the penetration of other ingredients 4. Acts as a solvent for natural extracts 5. Improves product texture and consistency 6. Reduces skin irritation and sensitivity 7. Increases the shelf life of cosmetic products. |
Pinto, Juliana Rodrigues, et al. International journal of cosmetic science 46.1 (2024): 85-95.
This study evaluated the effects of 1,3-propanediol (5%, 10%, 15%) - applied alone or combined with butylene glycol (BG 5%) and/or glycerol (5%) - on skin hydration and barrier function in 30 healthy female subjects.
Methods: Skin hydration (capacitance) and barrier function (transepidermal water loss/TEWL) were measured before application and at 15 min, 2h and 8h after application of test products on the forearm.
Key Findings:
· All propanediol concentrations and combinations significantly increased hydration and reduced TEWL at all measured time points (15min/2h/8h)
· Propylene glycol 15% demonstrated superior barrier enhancement, with the greatest reduction in TEWL compared to lower concentrations used alone.With glycerol: Further improved barrier function vs. propanediol alone or propanediol+BG. Glycerol specifically enhanced propanediol's hydrating performance.
Conclusion: Propanediol shows excellent hydration and TEWL reducing properties for a period of ≥8 hours. The best results were achieved at a concentration of 15% and in combination with glycerol.
Canton, Marine, et al. Cosmetics 8.1 (2021): 10.
This study validated a dereplication workflow for rapid metabolite identification in natural extracts dissolved in carrier solvents (propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, glycerin), using Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) as a model. Extracts were prepared at 5% wt. in 1:1 solvent/water solutions.
The optimized workflow featured: solvent-specific fractionation via centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC); 13C NMR analysis with carrier-specific signal suppression; hierarchical clustering of NMR data for metabolite identification.
Key Findings:
· Propanediol performed equivalently to propylene glycol and glycerin as a carrier solvent, enabling efficient metabolite profiling.
· The dereplication workflow successfully identified 26 metabolites in the propanediol-diluted Edelweiss extract, including 5 flavonoids (e.g., luteolin derivatives), 5 hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., leontopodic acids) and sugars and organic acids.
· For propanediol solutions, evaporation under reduced pressure was critical prior to CPC fractionation to concentrate highly diluted extracts.
· Propanediol required a dedicated CPC gradient (MtBE/n-BuOH/water 45:5:50 → 5:45:50) and NMR presaturation sequence for accurate analysis.
Conclusion: Propanediol is a functionally equivalent carrier solvent to propylene glycol and glycerin for natural extract characterization. When integrated into the optimized dereplication workflow - featuring solvent-specific CPC fractionation and NMR analysis - it enables rapid, comprehensive metabolite identification (as demonstrated with 26 compounds in Edelweiss). This method accelerates cosmetic ingredient development by streamlining extract profiling.
Mussi, Lilian, et al. Molecules 26.21 (2021): 6704.
Test for anti-acne activity of PXCA, the combination of propanediol, xylitol, and caprylic acid, as a single topical active by in vitro and in vivo methods.
· In Vitro: MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) testing on Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus; time-kill assay on C. acnes
· In Vitro: 5-alpha reductase expression (vs. testosterone control)
· In Vivo: 28-day clinical test of oiliness, porphyrins, inflammatory lesions, and dermatologist-rated improvements
Key Results:
· Antimicrobial: PXCA had an MIC of 0.125% on C. acnes and 0.25% on S. aureus. Time-kill assay confirmed bactericidal activity on C. acnes.
· Anti-Androgenic: PXCA reduced 5-alpha reductase expression by 24% (*p*<0.01) vs. testosterone control
· Clinical Efficacy: PXCA in 28-day clinical trial significantly reduced oiliness of skin, porphyrins, and inflammatory lesions. Dermatologists confirmed improvements in overall skin appearance, severity of acne, and size of lesions.
Conclusion: The combination of propanediol with xylitol and caprylic acid, is an effective anti-acne agent by multiple targets in a single active. As such, PXCA inhibits acne-associated pathogens, sebum-associated enzymes, and visibly improves acne in use.
How is Propanediol commonly used in industries?
Propanediol is commonly used as a skincare ingredient, solvent, and in the production of polyesters.
What are the natural sources of Propanediol?
Propanediol can be derived from natural sources such as corn or sugarcane.
Is Propanediol considered safe for use in cosmetic products?
Yes, Propanediol is considered safe for use in cosmetic products as it is derived from natural sources.
Can Propanediol be used as a replacement for propylene glycol in certain applications?
Yes, Propanediol can be used as a bio-based alternative to propylene glycol in certain applications.
What are some of the key properties of Propanediol that make it a desirable ingredient in skincare products?
Propanediol has excellent moisturizing properties, is non-irritating, and can enhance the absorption of other skincare ingredients.