What are the uses of Propylene Glycol in cosmetics?

Propylene Glycol is used in more than 4,000 products or formulations in the cosmetic and beauty industry. Accordingly, Propylene Glycol in cosmetics works as a humectant, skin conditioner, carrier in fragrance oils, solvents and viscosity reducers to retain moisture in the skin.

Propylene glycol, also known as 1,2-propanediol, is a synthetic alcohol with the ability to absorb water. This ingredient exists as a viscous, colorless, almost odorless liquid with a mildly sweet taste.
Propylene glycol is one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, including: Cleansers, moisturizers, bath soaps, shampoos and conditioners, conditioners deodorants, shaving preparations and perfumes.
In addition to being used as an ingredient in cosmetic and personal care products, propylene glycol is also used in many food items such as beer, packaged baked goods, frozen dairy products, and butter. plants, coffee, nuts and soda. On the other hand, this chemical is also used as an inactive ingredient as a solvent in many drugs, even present in concentrations as high as 98% in topical medicines and 92% in medicines. drink.
The rationale for propylene glycol's contribution in cosmetics and personal care products is that thanks to its water-absorbing properties, it functions as a humectant and is used in moisturizers to enhance the look appearance of the skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Other reported uses include skin conditioner, viscosity reducer, solvent, and product fragrance ingredient.

2.1 Water Absorption Propylene glycol acts as a low concentration humectant. This ingredient helps to secrete water and bring it to the outermost layer of the skin.
Therefore, cosmetic products with propylene glycol will be very good in moisturizing the skin and solving dry skin and tanning.
2.2 Moisturizing factor When propylene glycol acts as a humectant, skin care products containing this ingredient will provide several moisturizing benefits to the skin.
At this point, the skin will get a smooth and non-sticky feeling after using products enriched with propylene glycol.
2.3 Reduces Signs of Aging All skin is at risk of starting to age after a certain point in life. The reason for this is that the skin has an ingredient called a natural moisturizing factor that dries out with age. This causes signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, flaking, and roughness.
Therefore, if promptly supplemented with propylene glycol, skin care products can slow down the rate of skin aging, helping to keep the skin's youthful appearance for a long time.
2.4 Enhance the effect of cosmetics In addition to the unique benefits mentioned above, propylene glycol in cosmetics is used to help absorb other active ingredients. This ingredient helps to simplify and enhance the penetration of other ingredients and nutrients through the skin.
2.5 Prevents water loss Propylene glycol acts as an emollient to create a protective layer on the skin. This prevents water loss and leaves the skin smooth and healthy.
2.6 Improve Acne Condition One of the most common and annoying skin problems faced is acne. In fact, acne-prone skin is sensitive skin, so the use of cosmetics or skin care products in general needs to be cautious. Because many cosmetic ingredients have the potential to do more harm to acne skin than clear it.
However, this is the opposite of propylene glycol when it is completely safe for acne-prone skin because it is not greasy, sticky. Therefore, propylene glycol in cosmetics works to help heal the skin over time and fade acne blemishes.

In addition to the skin benefits mentioned above, cosmetic databases show that propylene glycol can be a moderately hazardous ingredient.
Propylene glycol is classified as a possible skin irritant, during use, it should be avoided to contact damaged, burned skin or contact with eyes, mouth and nose. Before starting to use it, it is recommended to test a small amount of the product on your arm; If there are signs of incompatibility or allergic reactions, discontinue use.
In addition, patients with eczema should use products containing propylene glycol with caution, because the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to propylene glycol in this population is very common.
On the other hand, because propylene glycol in cosmetics has the effect of enhancing the penetration of other ingredients and chemicals into the dermis, if it is toxic and also irritating to the skin, this harm will increase. .
In summary, propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid that is completely soluble in water. The presence of propylene glycol in cosmetics serves as a humectant, preservative, solvent or emollient in a variety of formulations, such as creams, lotions, serums, shampoos and many more. other personal care products. However, because of the potential for harmful propylene glycol, before use, it should be carefully tested on a small area of ​​skin to avoid irritation or unwanted severe skin reactions.