Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is a versatile cosmetic and personal care ingredient commonly used as a humectant, solvent, carrier and formulation aid. It helps attract and retain moisture, improves ingredient solubility and can enhance the texture, spreadability and overall performance of skincare, haircare and personal care products.

Propylene Glycol is widely used by cosmetic formulators in serums, creams, lotions, cleansers, toners, shampoos, conditioners, body products and other water-based formulations.

Key Benefits

• Functions as an effective humectant

• Helps attract and retain moisture in cosmetic formulations

• Improves skin feel and product spreadability

• Acts as a solvent and carrier for selected cosmetic ingredients

• Helps dissolve and distribute active ingredients more evenly

• Supports smooth, uniform product texture

• Suitable for skincare, haircare and personal care formulations

• Works well with ingredients such as glycerine, panthenol, niacinamide and botanical extracts

Common Uses

Propylene Glycol can be used in:

• Facial serums

• Toners

• Moisturisers

• Creams and lotions

• Facial cleansers

• Body washes

• Shampoos

• Conditioners

• Hair treatments

• Scalp products

• After-shave products

• Deodorant formulations

• Cosmetic gels

• Fragrance and personal care formulations

• Botanical and active ingredient solutions

Benefits in Skincare Formulations

Propylene Glycol helps improve moisture retention and provides a smooth, lightweight skin feel. Its solvent properties also make it useful for incorporating certain active ingredients and extracts into cosmetic products.

It is commonly used in hydrating, brightening, cleansing and treatment formulations.

Benefits in Haircare Formulations

In haircare products, Propylene Glycol can help support moisture retention, ingredient distribution and product spreadability. It is commonly incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, scalp treatments and leave-in products.

Formulation Uses

Propylene Glycol may function as a:

• Humectant

• Solvent

• Carrier

• Skin-conditioning agent

• Viscosity and texture-supporting ingredient

• Active ingredient delivery aid

Recommended Usage

Typical cosmetic usage levels vary depending on the product type and formulation requirements. It is commonly used at approximately 1%–10%, although higher or lower concentrations may be appropriate for specific applications.

Always confirm the recommended use level for the intended formulation and conduct appropriate stability, compatibility and safety testing.

Product Applications

Skincare | Haircare | Personal Care | Cosmetic Manufacturing | DIY Cosmetics | Professional Formulation

Why Choose Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol is a highly practical multifunctional ingredient for formulators who need improved moisture retention, ingredient solubility and smooth product performance. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of cosmetic and personal care formulations.

INCI Name: Propylene Glycol
Function: Humectant, Solvent, Carrier, Skin Conditioning Agent
Suitable For: Skincare, Haircare and Personal Care Formulations

For formulation use. Always follow appropriate manufacturing, compatibility, stability and preservation testing procedures before commercial production.