Propanediol (1,3)

Propanediol

Bio-based Propanediol is a multifunctional humectant and solvent that boosts skin hydration, improves preservative efficacy, enhances ingredient solubility, aids ingredient delivery into skin, and reduces tackiness in cosmetic formulations. Derived through renewable fermentation, Propanediol provides elegant sensory properties while supporting sustainable beauty formulations.

Hydration! Propanediol is a bio-based humectant that increases the water content in skin without being too sticky. It also helps reduce the tackiness of glycerin.

Solvent Power! It helps dissolve other ingredients that are difficult to solubilize in water, like mandelic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid etc. We also love using it as a pre-mix with Xanthan Gum SFT or Cationic Guar 17, to aid in dispersion!

Formulation Stability! Like other glycols or diols, Propanediol lowers the freezing point of products, improving cold stability. Try adding it at 3% to any lotion or serum to see the improvement.

Surfactant Performance! As a solvent, Propanediol aids in clarity of surfactant systems. Don't add too much, or you'll decrease viscosity or suppress foam formation.

Preservative Booster! All diols help improve penetration of other preservatives into cell walls of microorganisms. This gives your overall preservative package a boost!

Hair Care Wonder! Interested in duping the L'Oreal 8 Second Wonder Water but don't want to use sensitizing Propylene Glycol? Give Propanediol a chance! It also helps deliver fragrance into hair.

Valerie likes using Propanediol to pre-solubilize Preservative PE into liquid formulations like toners and micellar cleansers. Start by mixing two parts Propanediol and one part Preservative PE. Slowly add to the product with rigorous mixing.

Unlike petroleum-derived glycols, bio-based Propanediol is manufactured from renewable resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. During fermentation, microorganisms naturally convert corn-derived sugar into 1,3-propanediol. The material is then purified and distilled to cosmetic-grade standards, resulting in a high-purity ingredient.