Roll Call

“Propylene Glycol?”Here!

HumectantConditioning agentSolventThickenerVaries by source

Appears in 1 scanned product.

In personal care

A small, colorless, odorless synthetic liquid derived from petroleum or, increasingly, from plant sources. It mixes freely with water and many other ingredients.

Why it’s used

It draws and holds moisture in the skin, helps dissolve other ingredients, and improves the spreadability and feel of a formula. It is one of the most common humectant and solvent ingredients in cosmetics.

What the evidence says

The cited CIR safety review concludes that propylene glycol is generally nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, and does not cause dermal sensitization at the concentrations used in cosmetics, but it notes that irritation concerns remained. The panel's conclusion of safety was conditional on formulations being nonirritating, meaning irritation potential at certain concentrations or on compromised skin is acknowledged but not fully quantified in this abstract. No dose-response data, population specifics, or irritation thresholds are given in the available text.

Context

Used in both rinse-off and leave-on products across a wide concentration range; irritation risk, where it exists, rises with concentration and is more relevant to leave-on use on sensitive or broken skin.

Rumors

  1. Propylene glycol is a potentially harmful, petroleum-derived chemical that shouldn't be put on the body.

    Does not support — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Sole Toscana — a brand: sells natural Italian skincare and haircare
      How we know who this is
      • “Sole Toscana is the first Italian seed-to-skin skincare and haircare brought to the U.S.” (their page)

  2. Propylene glycol in skin and hair products penetrates the skin and can carry ingredients into the bloodstream.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Sole Toscana — a brand: sells natural Italian skincare and haircare
      How we know who this is
      • “Sole Toscana is the first Italian seed-to-skin skincare and haircare brought to the U.S.” (their page)

  3. Propylene glycol dries out the skin, leading to irritation and breakouts.

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Nakin — a brand: sells natural anti-ageing skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Nakin was founded by Cris Beetham in 2016.” (their page)
      • “Nakin produce award-winning natural anti-ageing skincare products .” (their page)

  4. Propylene glycol in skin care causes allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis).

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Healthline — a publisher: health information publisher; part of RVO Health, backed by Red Ventures and UnitedHealth Group's Optum
      How we know who this is
      • “Healthline is a digital publisher and does not offer personal health or medical advice.” (their page)
      • “Healthline is part of RVO Health, a company backed by Red Ventures and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum.” (their page)

  5. Propylene glycol is a humectant that moisturizes and hydrates the skin.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Healthline — a publisher: health information publisher; part of RVO Health, backed by Red Ventures and UnitedHealth Group's Optum
      How we know who this is
      • “Healthline is a digital publisher and does not offer personal health or medical advice.” (their page)
      • “Healthline is part of RVO Health, a company backed by Red Ventures and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum.” (their page)

Where it shows up