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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0001 |
| Product Name | Propylene Glycol |
| CAS | 57-55-6 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Propyleneglycol manufacturer |
| Description | Modified alcohol (1,2-propanediol), metabolized to lactic acid in the body. |
| IUPAC Name | Propane-1,2-diol |
| Molecular Weight | 76.09 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C3H8O2 |
| Canonical SMILES | CC(CO)O |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C3H8O2/c1-3(5)2-4/h3-5H,2H2,1H3 |
| InChI Key | DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Boiling Point | 187 °C(lit.) |
| Melting Point | -60 °C(lit.) |
| Flash Point | 225 °F |
| Purity | 99+% |
| Density | 1.036 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, acetone |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Application | All kinds of skin care products, hair care products, color cosmetics, soaps (glycerin soap). |
| Storage | 5-30 °C |
| Composition | Propylene glycol |
| Features And Benefits | Effective humectant and wetting agent preventing water loss in products and in the skinIncreases skin permeability of active ingredients as it penetrates into the outermost skin layersEmollient and lubricant propertiesExcellent solubilizer of other ingredientsIncreases spreading of creams |
| GMO | GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components) |
| HS Code | 2905320000 |
| INCI | Propylene glycol |
| Manufacture | Non-catalytic hydrolysis of propylene oxide to form a mixture of mono-, di-, and tripropylene glycols |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Propylene oxide (made from propylene and hydrogen peroxide) |
| Refractive Index | n20/D 1.432(lit.) |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 40.5 Ų |
| Uses | Add as is to the water phase of the formulas, typical use level 1-8% in emulsions. For external use only. |
Propylene glycol serves as a versatile ingredient widely utilized in various personal care and pharmaceutical products. Recognized for its ability to maintain moisture, this diol alcohol acts as a humectant and delivery agent, enhancing both texture and stability of formulations. Its hygroscopic nature allows it to effectively prevent cosmetic products from melting under high temperatures or freezing in cold conditions. In addition, it facilitates the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, contributing to its broad application in skincare items, hair care, and decorative cosmetics. Noteworthy for its antiseptic properties comparable to ethanol, propylene glycol is effective in concentrations above 15-30%, and is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Also functioning as an emulsifier, it assists in solubilizing raw materials such as parabens, fragrances, and vitamins, typically used at concentrations of 1-5%, and in some formulations, up to 10%. Despite higher concentrations being safe, formulations seldom exceed 50%.
McGowan, Maria A., et al. Dermatitis, 2018, 29(1), 6-12.
Propylene glycol (PG) is an emollient and emulsifier found in cosmetics, drugs, and foods. However, PG is also a known cause of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
In personal care products, propylene glycol may be found in deodorants, hair sprays, sunscreens, shampoos, and shaving creams. The most common products containing PG currently listed in the American Contact Dermatitis Society's Contact Allergen Management Program (CAMP) are hair dye kits (89%), personal lubricants (60%), and deodorants/antiperspirants (31%-54%).
The most concentrated levels of propylene glycol (PG) in personal care products were discovered to be as high as 99%, but these products were usually meant to be diluted, as seen in bath salts and bath oils. In the case of leave-on products, deodorants contained the highest concentrations, reaching up to 73%. Additionally, polypropylene glycols were detected at a maximum concentration of 22%. Following an initial assessment in 1994 and an update in 2012, a panel of experts for the Cosmetic Ingredient Review determined that PG is safe for use in cosmetics as long as it is formulated to be non-irritating.
Lalla, Soogan C., et al. Dermatitis, 2018, 29(4), 200-205.
Propylene glycol (PG) is commonly used as a solvent, carrier, and humectant in various personal care products, cosmetics, and topical medications. It is known to cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. This study looked back at the medical records of all patients who underwent patch testing for PG between January 1997 and December 2016.
A total of 11,738 patients underwent patch testing for PG at concentrations of 5%, 10%, or 20%. Among them, 100 patients (0.85%) showed positive reactions, and 41 patients (0.35%) experienced irritant reactions. The incidence of patch test reactions increased with higher PG concentrations. The types of reactions were categorized as papular erythema (weak, 87%) and erythema with edema or vesicles (strong, 9%).
Patients were also tested for an average of 5.6 other allergens. The positive reaction rates for 5%, 10%, and 20% PG were 0%, 0.26%, and 1.86%, respectively, and these rates rose with higher concentrations. The irritant reaction rates for 5%, 10%, and 20% PG were 0.95%, 0.24%, and 0.5%, respectively. When all concentrations were combined, there was no statistically significant increase in allergic positive rates from 1997 to 2008 (P = 0.26, Cochran-Armitage trend test) or from 2009 to 2016 (P = 0.09).
What is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol is a diol alcohol, specifically propane-1,2-diol, which contains two hydroxy groups. It is commonly used in cosmetics as a humectant or humidifying agent. This water-white, viscous, odorless liquid is hygroscopic and low in volatility, making it readily soluble in water. It plays a vital role in preventing products from melting at high temperatures or freezing at low temperatures.
How does Propylene Glycol benefit skincare products?
In skincare products, Propylene Glycol serves multiple functions. It acts as an effective humectant, aiding in skin hydration by attracting moisture. It also facilitates the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, enhancing their efficacy. Additionally, it has antiseptic qualities comparable to ethanol when used in concentrations above 15-30% and serves as an antioxidant, improving the formulation's texture and stability.
Is Propylene Glycol safe to use in cosmetics?
Yes, Propylene Glycol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In cosmetic formulations, it is typically used at concentrations of 1-5%, though concentrations can reach up to 10%. Its safety is well-established, with permissible use in cosmetic products at levels up to 50%.
What roles does Propylene Glycol play in formulations besides being a humectant?
Beyond its use as a humectant, Propylene Glycol acts as an emulsifier, solubilizing agents such as parabens, fragrances, and vitamins within a formulation. This ability helps maintain a smooth and consistent texture in products like creams, lotions, foundations, cleansing agents, and hair care products.
What types of products commonly contain Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol is widely used in a variety of products due to its versatile properties. It is found in many pharmaceuticals, skincare items, and decorative cosmetics. Specifically, it is prevalent in creams, lotions, foundations, cleansing products, and hair care solutions.
Can Propylene Glycol be used in cold and warm environments?
Yes, Propylene Glycol helps prevent products from melting in high heat conditions or freezing in cold temperatures, making it an excellent ingredient for formulations that need to maintain stability across different environmental conditions.
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