Propylene Glycol For Skin: Benefits, Side Effects, & How To Use

Propylene glycol is a popular ingredient in most skincare products. As it is one of the best hydrating agents, many prefer propylene glycol for skin dryness and dullness. You can find this ingredient in serums, hair sprays, moisturizers, toothpaste, and perfumes.

This popular ingredient helps the skin retain moisture and improve its texture. However, there are a few concerns regarding propylene glycol in skin care products.

Know Your Ingredient: Propylene Glycol

What Is It?
A synthetic, colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that absorbs water.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may improve skin texture, moisturize skin, treat acne, prevent premature aging, promote the absorption of other skin care products, and protect the skin barrier.

Who Can Use It?
It is best suited for people with dry skin, although it can be safely used by all skin types.

How Often?
Apply it to your skin once or twice a day.

Caution
A patch test is recommended to avoid any irritation.

Propylene glycol is an odorless and colorless liquid known for its hydrating properties. It attracts and seals skin moisture. It is an excellent humectantⁱ  A hydrating agent that can attract water both from the air and within the skin to keep the outer skin layer moist and hydrated. and is used in many products, including moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and serums.

It helps improve skin texture and promotes the absorption of other ingredients. Propylene glycol is also used in other industries as a solvent, an emollientⁱ  An agent or substance that hydrates the skin by forming a protective barrier and trapping moisture in the skin. , a humectantⁱ  A hydrating agent that can attract water both from the air and within the skin to keep the outer skin layer moist and hydrated. , and a preservative (1).

But is it a good idea to use propylene glycol for skin? Yes, contrary to what many believe, propylene glycol is safe for use unless you are allergic to it. The WHO has set its daily intake limit to 25 mg per kg of body weight (2). It is also approved as a safe additive to food by the FDA and completely safe for human use (3).

Quick Tip

To maintain the effectiveness of propylene glycol, store it at an ambient temperature and airtight container. Do not expose it to sunlight or other UV light sources.

Benefits Of Propylene Glycol For Skin

1. Helps Moisturize Skin

Propylene glycol is popular for moisturizing and smoothening the skin (1). Propylene glycol is an odorless and colorless liquid known for its hydrating properties. It is ideally used in products made for dry and combination skin types, and skin that is parched or flaky. The humectantⁱ  A hydrating agent that can attract water both from the air and within the skin to keep the outer skin layer moist and hydrated. properties of propylene glycol attract water and seal it onto the outer skin layer.

Propylene glycol also works as an emollientⁱ  An agent or substance that hydrates the skin by forming a protective barrier and trapping moisture in the skin. and softens and soothes the skin (4).

2. May Improve Skin Texture

Propylene glycol protects your skin from excess dryness and prevents damage caused due to external oxidative factors. This may improve skin texture too. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

3. May Help Treat Acne

Moisturizers that are usually oily can aggravate acne. Propylene glycol is water-based, light in texture, and non-sticky – and can hence be safe on acne-prone skin. However, the acne-fighting properties of propylene glycol are yet to be studied.

4. May Prevent Premature Aging

There is limited research available here. But anecdotal evidence suggests that the natural moisturizing capabilities of propylene glycol may help reduce the signs of premature aging. Dry skin is more prone to flakiness, wrinkles, and fine lines. Propylene glycol may keep skin moisturized and prevent the signs of premature aging.

5. Promotes Better Absorption Of Other Skin Care Products

Propylene glycol is known to help the active ingredients present in other cosmetic products reach deeper into the skin, thus improving their efficacy and results (5).

6. Safeguards The Skin Barrier

Another lesser-known benefit of propylene glycol is it protects your skin barrier (6). The humectantⁱ  A hydrating agent that can attract water both from the air and within the skin to keep the outer skin layer moist and hydrated. properties of this ingredient can help safeguard the skin barrier, especially for people with skin conditions like eczemaⁱ  An inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itching, redness, and rashes, which also may flare sometimes. and psoriasis.

Since propylene glycol has so many benefits, it is easily one of the most used ingredients in many skin care and cosmetic products. However, it is often confused with ethylene glycol. But the two are completely different compounds. The following section discusses these differences.

Propylene Glycol vs. Ethylene Glycol

Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are both known to be used as anti-freeze in many industries.

That said, ethylene glycol is severely toxic and may be completely unsafe for skin applications. Propylene glycol, on the other hand, has a very low level of toxicity and is safer for use. It is suitable for more skin types.

Trivia

Propylene glycol is known to be derived from natural gas, vegetable sources, or petroleum.

Though propylene glycol is the safer of the two, it still does have some side effects. We discuss the same in the next section.

Side Effects Of Propylene Glycol

• People with eczemaⁱ  An inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, itching, redness, and rashes, which also may flare sometimes. may develop irritation to propylene glycol. They are advised to do a patch test before utilizing products with this ingredient.
• Continuous use of propylene glycol around your eye and nasal region may cause irritation.

After considering all its benefits and side effects, you may go for products containing propylene glycol if it suits your skin type.

A recent survey conducted by a team from Australia’s Skin Health Institute included a total of 6,761 participants to study the side effects of propylene glycol, resulting in skin reaction and allergic contact dermatitis. Out of total participants tested, only 21 subjects or 0.31% had a reaction to propylene glycol and reported allergic contact dermatitis.

In another study, 84 patients were patch-tested with 100% Propylene glycol. While 5 patients of the lot showed an allergic reaction, 7 showed an irritant reaction (7).

The use of propylene glycol has also been weakly linked with cancer. A few scientific studies proposed a relation between propylene glycol and the risk of neurological problems. One study discusses a connection between this compound and brain cell damage (8).

However, it is important to note that these studies are based on correlations and are primarily conducted on animals. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, and International Agency for Research on Cancer have not labeled propylene glycol a carcinogen (9).

Here are the various ways you can use these products.

How To Use Propylene Glycol-Based Products On Your Skin?

Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in many skin and personal care products. You can include this ingredient in your skin care routine in multiple ways. Consider your skin type and skin concern before you go for it.

Propylene glycol is an excellent humectantⁱ  A hydrating agent that can attract water both from the air and within the skin to keep the outer skin layer moist and hydrated. and emollientⁱ  An agent or substance that hydrates the skin by forming a protective barrier and trapping moisture in the skin. . It is a great addition to moisturizers, like creams and lotions, made for parched and flaky skin. To utilize its moisturizing benefits, you can include a propylene glycol moisturizer in your routine.

Since propylene glycol also improves the absorption of other products, it can be a useful ingredient in cosmetic beauty products like foundations, serums, cleansers, and acne treatments.

For better effects, you can utilize targeted skin care products with propylene glycol.

In the next section, we have listed some of the best propylene glycol products you can use.

Best Products With Propylene Glycol

1. Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide ($19):

This skin-clearing treatment is perfect for those with recurring acne and stress acne. The propylene glycol in the solution helps in the deeper penetration of benzoyl peroxide and more effective action. This product treats stubborn skin acne without making your skin dry.

2. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream ($52)

This moisturizer is composed of propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, pentavitin, and ceramides that replenish skin moisture. Its light texture is suitable for every skin type.

3. SkinCeuticals C + AHA ($136)

This highly raved product is known for its quick skin brightening results. The propylene glycol it contains boosts the penetration of the other ingredients in the serum – leading to better effectiveness.

Infographic: Additional Uses Of Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is one of the popular ingredients in the skin care industry. You can find this ingredient in several cosmetic products, including serums, moisturizers, toothpastes, hairsprays, and perfumes. It is also used as a flavoring agent and preservative in foods.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the other uses of propylene glycol.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common misconceptions about propylene glycol in skincare?

There is a common misconception that propylene is not safe for the skin. Polina Sheriff, an experienced and professional cosmetologist, says, “One common misconception is that propylene glycol is harmful, but in cosmetics, it’s used in safe concentrations and is non-toxic. It helps stabilize other ingredients and enhances the skin’s moisture retention.”

Does propylene glycol clog pores?

No, it does not clog pores. It may instead help unclog pores and improve skin texture.

Is propylene glycol the same as glycolic acid?

No, the two are not the same. Propylene glycol has to break down to form glycolic acid.

Is it okay to use propylene glycol every day?

Yes, you can use propylene glycol every day if you are not allergic to the ingredient.

Illustration: Propylene Glycol For Skin: Benefits Side Effects & How To Use

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Ever wondered about propylene glycol? Dive into this eye-opening video to understand its implications and why you should avoid it. Stay informed and make the right choices!