Propylene Glycol

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is the multitasking facilitator in skincare—a clear, viscous liquid that acts as both humectant and penetration enhancer. Derived from petroleum or increasingly from plant sources, this ingredient helps products spread evenly while pulling moisture into the skin. Think of it as a doorman who not only welcomes water into your skin but also helps other beneficial ingredients enter more efficiently. It's the skincare equivalent of a well-connected friend who knows all the shortcuts—making your entire routine more effective by ensuring ingredients get exactly where they need to go. While it's gotten an undeserved bad reputation from confusion with industrial versions, cosmetic-grade propylene glycol provides that perfect balance of hydration enhancement and formulation elegance that makes products feel luxurious while performing effectively.

Perfect For

Oily: Neutral effect on oily skin
Dry: Neutral effect on dry skin
Sensitive: Neutral effect on sensitive skin
Combination: Depends on specific formulation and application technique
Mature: Neutral effect on mature skin

Key Benefits

Ingredient Interactions

Works well with: most ingredients

Avoid combining with: depends on specific formulation

Notes: Compatibility depends on product formulation, pH, and concentration

References

Strength: Variable - See literature

Mechanisms:
• Mechanism of action depends on specific ingredient composition