• Plant-derived alternative to propylene glycol
• Enhances absorption of active ingredients
• Solubilizes many difficult-to-dissolve ingredients
• Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin
• ECOCERT and COSMOS approved

Propanediol (1,3-Propanediol) is a biobased glycol derived from fermented corn sugar, used in personal care as a multi-functional ingredient. It works as a natural solvent, hydrating agent, and sensory enhancer. Propanediol improves the spreadability, preservative efficacy, and bioavailability of actives. Unlike Propylene Glycol, Propanediol is non-sensitizing and ideal for clean beauty, serums, lotions, and extracts where skin-friendliness is a priority.

INCI Name: Propanediol

CAS Number: 504-63-2

Solubility: Water-soluble, alcohol-soluble

Add Phase: Water phase or post-emulsification

pH Stability: Stable between pH 3.0 – 10.0

Processing Temperature: Up to 80°C

Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid

Odor: Odorless to slightly sweet

Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O₂

Molecular Weight: 76.09 g/mol

Flash Point: ~120°C

Density: ~1.05 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Glycol / Humectant / Solvent

Functional Groups: Hydroxyl (-OH) x2

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Solvent, humectant, preservative booster, penetration enhancer

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10% (up to 75% in botanical extracts)
• Phase: Add to water phase or use as solvent for actives
• Ideal For: Serums, Toners, Actives, Creams, Gels, Natural Preservative Systems

🧪 Use Propanediol to dissolve hard-to-dissolve actives like Azelaic Acid, Ferulic Acid, or Allantoin before incorporating into water-based serums or lotions — no alcohol needed!

✔️ Safe and non-irritating for all skin types

✔️ Especially good for sensitive and reactive skin

✔️ Suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off products

1. Hydrating Facial Serum

Use 5% Propanediol with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for a non-sticky serum that deeply hydrates and enhances active delivery.

2. Azelaic Acid Gel

Pre-dissolve azelaic acid in Propanediol and blend with a gel base (e.g. hydroxyethylcellulose) for an effective anti-acne and brightening treatment.

3. Natural Extract-Based Toner

Use Propanediol as the carrier for botanical extracts like green tea or cucumber to avoid alcohol-based irritation.

4. Makeup Setting Spray

Formulate a lightweight facial mist using Propanediol, rose water, glycerin, and sodium PCA to hydrate and lock in moisture without shine.

5. Oil-Free Moisturizer

Combine Propanediol with sodium lactate, panthenol, and light esters in an emulsion for a silky, oil-free daily cream.

Performance rating based on solvent power, skin compatibility, and functional flexibility.

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Boosts hydration, enhances solubility, non-sticky.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Adds smoothness, aids emulsification, boosts absorption.



Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Alcohol-free solvent for gentle skin hydration.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Supports humectancy in cream and gel masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds mild hydration and enhances texture.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds slip and draws moisture into strands.



Deodorants
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Mild and non-irritating carrier for actives.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Suitable for delicate skin due to low irritation potential.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances conditioning and boosts mildness.



Soaps
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in cold/hot process soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds slip and improves feel in emulsions.



Lip Balms
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for oil-only systems.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Works in emulsified butters; not in anhydrous ones.

Q1: Is Propanediol the same as Propylene Glycol?

A1: No. Propanediol is plant-derived, less irritating, and more skin-friendly than petroleum-based Propylene Glycol.

Q2: Can it replace glycerin?

A2: Yes. Propanediol is less sticky and provides similar humectant effects.

Q3: Does it need a preservative?

A3: It has mild preservative-boosting effects, but a full preservative system is still required for water-based products.

Q4: Is Propanediol suitable for sensitive skin?

A4: Absolutely. It’s gentle, non-sensitizing, and ideal for clean beauty and baby care.

Q5: Can I use it to dissolve actives like ferulic acid?

A5: Yes! It’s one of the best solvents for Azelaic Acid, Ferulic Acid, and Allantoin.