Ingredient glossary
Methylpropanediol
On your shelf ✓What Methylpropanediol does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Methylpropanediol · Also: 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol
In short: Methylpropanediol delivers hydration and solvent, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Hydration, solvent
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
Quiet, essential, and nothing to fear.
Methylpropanediol keeps a product safe to use from the first pump to the last, at tiny amounts. Not something you pay a premium for.
— Maya
What it does
- hydration
- solvent
- mildness
moderate evidenceThe CIR Expert Panel reviewed methylpropanediol among ten alkane diols and concluded it is safe at present practices of use, with an industry survey of real formulas reporting 0.025 to 21.2 percent, the top end in body and hand products; CIR lists its function as solvent rather than humectant. A 14-day cumulative irritation study found it non-irritating on sensitive skin at 50 and 100 percent and human sensitisation tests were negative, though a serum at 21.2 percent caused transient erythema during induction; no trial has tested whether it does anything for skin on its own.
On a label: usually effective at 2-25%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- normal
- combo
- oily
- dehydrated
- sensitive
Approach with care
- rare allergy
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: rare allergy.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- preservatives
Methylpropanediol, answered
Is Methylpropanediol safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Methylpropanediol is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Methylpropanediol?
Approach Methylpropanediol with care if any of these apply to you: rare allergy.
What concentration of Methylpropanediol actually works?
Methylpropanediol tends to do its job in the 2 to 25% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
This, for every label you own
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Sources & how we reviewed this
- PMID 38174390abstract only, the full text is paywalled