Ingredient glossary
Propanediol
On your shelf ✓What Propanediol does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Propanediol
In short: Propanediol 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
Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.
When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Propanediol pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.
— Maya
What it does
- hydration
- solvent
moderate evidenceData from cosmetic use indicate propanediol is a well tolerated humectant/solvent with low sensitization and good compatibility in many formulas.
On a label: usually effective at 2-10%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- dehydrated
- all
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- emollients
Propanediol, answered
Is Propanediol safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Propanediol 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 Propanediol?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Propanediol. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Propanediol actually works?
Propanediol tends to do its job in the 2 to 10% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
This, for every label you own
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