Propylene Glycol Laurate

Propylene Glycol Laurate is an oil-soluble ester of propylene glycol and lauric acid used as a surfactant-emulsifier. It's chosen for its cleansing action, wetting ability, and stabilizing of oil-in-water systems in washes and lotions, though performance can vary.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A cleansing emulsifier that helps dissolve oil and debris on skin.
Category
Emulsifying, Cleansing
Type
Emulsifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps dissolve oils and debris for a refreshed feel. Effectiveness can depend on the overall formula, so results may be inconsistent.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in facial cleansing milks, rinse-off gels, and makeup-removing lotions as a helper for oil-in-water blends.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

May cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially at higher concentrations or in leave-on applications; patch testing is prudent for reactive skin. No widely recognized regulatory restrictions at typical cosmetic levels.

Is Propylene Glycol Laurate a Good Ingredient?

Fair: Works as a cleansing/emulsifying helper, but effectiveness is formula-dependent and it has a higher chance of causing irritation compared with gentler surfactants. Best reserved for rinse-off or well-balanced systems to reduce sensitivity risk.

Products with Propylene Glycol Laurate

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