The Index · Humectant / solvent
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is a humectant or solvent used to hold water and dissolve formula components.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
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Propylene Glycol is a humectant or solvent used to hold water and dissolve formula components.
What it does
Pulls or holds water and/or dissolves other ingredients in water-based formulas.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Common humectant or solvent with long cosmetic use history. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Propylene Glycol is a humectant or solvent used to hold water and dissolve formula components.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment. CIR (2010)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Propylene Glycol. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk