Nitropropane-1,3-Diol

Nitropropane-1,3-diol is a synthetic nitro diol used in water-based cosmetics as a preservative component, selected to stabilize formulas by limiting microbial spoilage and often paired with other agents to broaden preservation performance.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A preservative that helps keep water-based formulas free of contamination.
Category
Preservative
Type
Preservative

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps keep water-based formulas stable against contamination through normal use, and often complements other preservatives to improve overall system reliability.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Included in toners, gels, lotions, and cleansers at low levels to support the preservative blend.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

May cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible users. Follow regional concentration limits and avoid incompatible systems (e.g., with certain amines/nitrites) to reduce nitrosamine risk. Patch testing is advisable for sensitive skin.

Is Nitropropane-1,3-Diol a Good Ingredient?

It's effective at low levels, but it has a higher irritation and sensitization potential in some users, which is why it rates Fair. Performance depends on proper formulation, and incompatibilities with certain amine/nitrite systems can raise safety concerns.

Products with Nitropropane-1,3-Diol

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