Propandiol ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is mainly used as a humectant and solvent, helping formulas hold water, dissolve actives, and improve slip. It can also support preservation by reducing available water in the formula.
What does Propandiol do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is mainly used as a humectant and solvent, helping formulas hold water, dissolve actives, and improve slip. It can also support preservation by reducing available water in the formula.
Is Propandiol clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and has low irritation potential compared with some older solvent humectants. It is not a major restricted-list concern, though very sensitive or compromised skin may notice mild stinging in higher-solvent formulas.
Is Propandiol sustainable?
This material is commonly made by fermenting plant sugars, often from corn or other carbohydrate feedstocks, and it is readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile depends on agricultural sourcing, but it is generally stronger than petroleum-derived solvent alternatives.
Is Propandiol COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved renewable feedstocks and compliant processing. It fits Green Chemistry well through fermentation-based sourcing, biodegradability, and broad formula utility at low to moderate levels.
How does Propandiol work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-miscible three-carbon diol with two hydroxyl groups, which explains its humectant, solvent, and texture-support roles. Typical use is about 1 to 10%, sometimes higher in lightweight water-based systems, and it is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges while helping preservation by lowering water activity.
Last updated 2026-08-25