WHAT IS PROPANEDIOL IN COSMETICS

Propanediol , also known as 1,3-propanediol, is an ingredient commonly used in cosmetics and skin care products. It is a natural, biodegradable dihydroxy alcohol (glycol) obtained mainly from the fermentation of glucose or corn. Thanks to its moisturizing, stabilizing and soothing properties, it has found wide application in cosmetology.

What is propanediol?

It is a colorless, odorless liquid with a light consistency. It plays several important roles in cosmetics, both as an active ingredient and as an auxiliary. It is considered safe for the skin and the environment, making it a popular choice in natural and organic cosmetics formulas. It is often used as an alternative to propylene glycol, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive people. This ingredient is gentle and well-tolerated even by people with sensitive skin. It does not cause irritation or allergies, making it ideal for atopic and allergy-prone skin.

Is propanediol safe?

It is considered a safe ingredient in cosmetics. Dermatological tests confirm that it does not cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is non-toxic and suitable for people with sensitive skin. However, it is worth remembering that the safety of cosmetics depends on the entire formula of the product, not just on one ingredient. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the full INCI composition.

Properties of propanediol

Moisturizing effect

This ingredient is a humectant, which means it binds water in the skin, preventing its loss. It has a moisturizing effect, while not weighing down the skin or causing a greasy film. This is an ingredient that you will find in natural cosmetics.

Improving the absorption of active ingredients

Increases the bioavailability of other cosmetic ingredients, helping them to better penetrate the layers of the epidermis. Supports the action of active substances such as vitamins, acids or peptides.

Stabilizing the cosmetic formula

The ingredient acts as a solvent, allowing the mixing of cosmetic ingredients that are difficult to combine. It prevents crystallization and prolongs the shelf life of the product.

Ecological and biodegradable

It is obtained from plant raw materials through the fermentation process, which makes it more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic glycols.

The use of propanediol in cosmetics

The ingredient can be found in a wide range of cosmetic products such as:

Facial care products

This ingredient in creams improves skin hydration and supports the action of active ingredients. Examples of creams with this ingredient:

• Snail Slime Cream

• Anti-wrinkle cream for men BAMBOO and GINSENG 50 ml

• KALI MUSLI day cream for sensitive skin 50 ml

This natural ingredient in the serum enhances skin hydration and supports active ingredients.

• Regenerating booster for the face REISHI and PURPLE RICE for night 30 ml

• Serum with RETINOL H10 0.5% and REISHI 30 ml

• Serum with ceramides CERAFLUID® 5% and REISHI 30 ml

In tonics, the ingredient has a soothing effect and supports the skin's water balance.

In essences it has a soothing and balancing effect.

In masks it increases the effectiveness of nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.

• Vitamin cream - night mask Hello Daktyl 40 ml

Other Cosmetics

It helps smooth hair and prevents it from drying out in shampoos. It maintains moisture and enhances the regenerative effect in masks.

This ingredient in color cosmetics improves the consistency and distribution of cosmetics in foundations and concealers. It is used in lipsticks and lip glosses.

Benefits of using propanediol in cosmetics

Safe and gentle for the skin It is well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive and atopic. It is a versatile ingredient. It works well in both moisturizing and care or color cosmetics. Its natural origin and biodegradability are in line with ecological trends. It supports the effectiveness of other ingredients by increasing the penetration and action of active ingredients, such as vitamins or acids. It improves the comfort of using cosmetics by giving the products a light consistency and ease of application.

Propanediol and other moisturizing ingredients

It is often compared to other humectants, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. It is less viscous , which makes cosmetics with this ingredient lighter and more pleasant to use. It is better tolerated by the skin because it is less irritating than propylene glycol, which is why it is recommended for people with sensitive skin. It is obtained from plant raw materials, which makes it more environmentally friendly.

PROPANEDIOL COMPARED TO PROPYLENE GLYCOL

This ingredient is a natural alternative to propylene glycol. These are two different chemical compounds, although they have similar properties and applications. In many cases, both ingredients can perform similar functions in cosmetics, which is why they are sometimes used interchangeably. Propylene glycol is cheaper, so it is more often used in mass products.

Differences between propanediol and propylene glycol

The components differ in chemical structure . Propanediol (1,3-propanediol) has two hydroxyl atoms (-OH) attached to carbon at positions 1 and 3. Its chemical formula is CH₂-CH₂-CH₂(OH)₂.

Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) has hydroxyl atoms (-OH) attached to carbon at the 1- and 2-positions with the formula CH₃-CHOH-CH₂OH.

It is usually obtained naturally, e.g. from the fermentation of glucose or corn. Considered more ecological because it is biodegradable and produced from renewable raw materials. Propylene glycol, on the other hand, is a synthetic compound, produced from petroleum derivatives and is less ecological due to the production process based on petrochemical raw materials.

Similarities Between Propanediol and Propylene Glycol

Both are colorless, odorless liquids and have similar viscosity and water-binding capacity. Both ingredients act as humectants, retaining moisture in the skin and hair. They serve as solvents for active ingredients and aid in formulation stability. Both are generally considered safe in cosmetics at standard concentrations, although propylene glycol has a higher risk of irritation.

In summary, these are two different chemical compounds that have similar uses but differ in structure, origin and effect on the skin.

Summary

Propanediol is a versatile, natural cosmetic ingredient that offers numerous benefits for the skin and hair. Its moisturizing, soothing, and complementary properties make it a popular ingredient in a wide range of cosmetic products. Its gentle and eco-friendly nature makes it a popular choice in both natural and sensitive skin care. Using cosmetics with this ingredient is not only beneficial for our skin, but also a more sustainable choice for the environment.