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Propanediol

Well toleratedHumectanthumectantsolventpreservative booster

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: 1,3-Propanediol

What it is

Propanediol is usually produced by fermenting corn sugar, which is why it appears in products marketed as naturally derived. Despite the similar name it is a different molecule from propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), with the two alcohol groups at opposite ends. It hydrates, improves texture, and makes preservatives work more efficiently.

What it does well

  • Hydrates and boosts preservative efficiency

    As well as binding water, propanediol makes common preservative systems more effective, which lets formulators use lower levels of the preservatives themselves.

    Moderate evidence

Worth knowing

  • Very low irritation potential

    Propanediol is reported to be better tolerated than propylene glycol and is not a recognised common allergen. People allergic to propylene glycol do not generally react to it.

    Matters most toNo specific group.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Permitted in EU cosmetics with no concentration limit. It is not listed in the banned, restricted or preservative annexes of the Cosmetics Regulation.

Masks that contain Propanediol