Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is a small, water-soluble humectant and co-solvent common in skin and hair care. It attracts water, improves glide, and supports stability, though it may irritate very sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A humectant that draws in moisture, though it can irritate sensitive skin.
Category
Hydration, Skin Conditioning, Barrier Support
Type
Humectant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Attracts moisture to help relieve dryness and leave skin feeling supple. Can improve the delivery of other ingredients for more uniform performance.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in toners, serums, gels, and hair leave-ins where a hydration boost and smooth application are desired.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Can trigger irritation or contact dermatitis in a small subset; patch testing is advisable for reactive skin. Typically tolerated when appropriately formulated, but reduce use if redness or burning develops.

Is Propylene Glycol a Good Ingredient?

It's a reliable humectant and solvent that boosts hydration and ingredient delivery with a long track record of stable use, which is enough for a Good rating. It can irritate or sting very sensitive or eczema-prone skin, though, especially at higher levels or under occlusion.

Products with Propylene Glycol

Related Ingredients