INCI

Propanediol

What It Does

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.

Why Formulators Love It

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 C17, 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.

Pro Tips

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.

How It's Made

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.

Certifications
Vegan
Vegan
Nut Free
Nut Free
Gluten Free
Gluten Free
Made With Science
Made With Science
People and Planet
People and Planet
INCI

Propanediol

Composition
Propanediol 100% (CAS 504-63-2)
People and Planet

Readily Biodegradable
Consumes 40% less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% versus petroleum-based 1,3-propanediol and propylene glycol
At 75% concentration, does not produced skin irritation or sensitization reactions
Naturally-derived, non-sensitizing alternative to Propylene Glycol

Geographical Origin

Corn - USA
Fermentation - USA

Ingredient Origin

Plant (Corn)
Bacteria

ISO 16128 Natural Content

100%

ISO 16128 Natural Origin Content

100%

Function

Humectant, Solvent, Penetration Enhancer, Preservative Booster, Helps dissolve low-water soluble ingredients

Types of Formulas

Serums, Toners, Moisturizers, Micellar Cleaners, Hair Treatments and more

Use Level
As a humectant Up to 25%
As a penetration enhancer Up to 25%
As a solubilizer Start with 1-2 parts to item being solubilized
As a stability aid 1-3%
Lip Safe

Yes.

Eye Safe

Propanediol was found to be non-irritating in in vitro ocular studies by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board.

Required pH of formulations

N/A - not pH dependent.

Tips and Tricks

Pre-mix with hard-to-dissolve or disperse ingredients like Xanthan Gum or exfoliating acids.

Incompatibilities

Oil-based formulations

Color / Odor / Appearance

Colorless / None / Liquid

Solubility

Water

Melting Point

N/A

Percent Active

100%

VOC Content

0%

Storage

Store in closed container in a dark, cool place.

Shelf Life

Shelf life is only relevant to the date it was manufactured and how it was stored! Please use the retest date on the Certificate of Analysis below to see when this ingredient should be retested for continued use.

Warning

For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Shipping Restrictions

None

Regulatory Documents

Safety Data Sheet
Certificate of Analysis Lot 26I049

Sold in ounces or pounds by weight. See our Terms for full warranties on safety & regulatory.

Packaging Type
4 oz
8 oz
20 oz
5.5 LB
11 LB		 Aluminum Bottle with Aluminum Closure
Aluminum Bottle with Aluminum Closure
Aluminum Bottle with Aluminum Closure
Polyethylene F-Style Jug
Polyethylene F-Style Jug
Why It's Special

Unlike petroleum-derived propylene glycol, propanediol is much gentler and more sustainable for the environment.

Quality. Transparency. Trust.
Fermentation
Fermentation

Sugar from corn is fermented with bacteria to produce 1,3-propanediol.

Separation
Separation

The 1,3-propanediol is collected and separated from the remaining water, spent bacteria and other materials.

Distillation
Distillation

Propanediol is purified and distilled to cosmetic-grade standards.