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Propanediol

A natural analog of propylene glycol derived from corn sugar. Propanediol moisturizes, dissolves actives, and improves the texture of products — without the characteristic irritation of propylene glycol. A popular choice in natural and "clean beauty" cosmetics.

Naturalclean beautyMoisturizingSolvent

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Propanediol (1,3-propanediol) is a diol obtained from corn sugar (Zemea® from DuPont). Biodegradable and considered more skin-friendly than synthetic propylene glycol. Functions: solvent, hygroscopic moisturizer, penetration enhancer. In INCI: Propanediol.

Popular in clean beauty and natural cosmetics as a substitute for propylene glycol. A basic component of toners, serums, and creams.

Key Benefits

✦

Gentle moisturizing action

A hygroscopic moisturizer that attracts and retains moisture in the skin without a sticky or heavy feeling.

◈

Improvement of active solubility

An excellent solvent for water-insoluble actives (retinol, some peptides), improving their distribution in the formula.

✧

Bio-based and clean beauty status

Obtained from renewable plant raw materials (corn), biodegradable, meets COSMOS and natural cosmetics standards.

Suitable for

Suitable for all skin typesSensitive skinSkin that reacts to propylene glycol

Main Actions

✓ Moisturizing✓ Dissolving actives✓ Improving penetration✓ Bio-based formula✓ Improving texture

Propanediol vs Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol (PG) — synthetic, cheaper, may irritate sensitive skin. Propanediol — bio-based, more expensive, considered gentler. If there is a reaction to PG — products with propanediol may be an alternative.

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