The ingredient, explained

Propylene Glycol

A published expert assessment examines cosmetic-use safety.

HumectantSkin conditioningViscosity controllingSolvent

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Propylene glycol is used as a solvent and humectant. These functions help dissolve other ingredients and attract or retain moisture.

About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗

Humectant: Helps attract and retain moisture.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Viscosity controlling: Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Solvent: Dissolves other ingredients in a formula.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

The panel supported cosmetic use when products are formulated to avoid irritation.

What this does not tell us

The nonirritating-formulation condition is essential. This risk assessment does not demonstrate a clinical skincare benefit or exclude individual allergy.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 23064775 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of 10 local candidate records, selected relevant abstracts, and targeted exact-name primary-source searches. Not a systematic review.