Propanediol (Natural)

Price range: $5.50 through $386.00 USD

INCI: Propanediol

CAS: 504-63-2

Use: 1 – 10%

Source: Corn Sugar

Naturality: 100%

DOCUMENTS (view/download): TDS | SDS | COA: #261

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Why Formulator's Use It

Provides effective skin and hair moisturization
Improves the tacky or heavy feel associated with glycerin
Enhances glycerin-based humectant systems
Supports smoother application and faster absorption
Functions as a solvent for selected cosmetic actives
Can enhance preservative efficacy
Improves the feel of shampoos and conditioners
Supports clear, quick-drying deodorant and roll-on systems
Offers a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived glycols

Formulation Benefits

Superior Humectancy and Skin Feel

At a 5% use level, supplier testing found Propanediol to be more effective at moisturizing skin than propylene glycol and butylene glycol. It also provided strong initial hydration with a cleaner, less sticky sensory profile than glycerin.

Enhances Glycerin-Based Formulations

A Propanediol and glycerin blend can maintain the long-lasting hydration of glycerin while improving:

Spreadability
Absorption
Softness
Smoothness
Tackiness
Overall consumer acceptance

In testing, a 10% Propanediol/glycerin blend provided hydration statistically comparable to 20% glycerin while receiving better ratings for most sensory attributes.

Solvent for Cosmetic Actives

Propanediol can help dissolve or maintain the solubility of selected actives, including:

Ferulic acid
Allantoin
Ascorbic acid
Glycolic acid
Salicylic acid
Hexylresorcinol

It may be used as either a primary or secondary solvent depending on the active and formulation system.

Preservative-Boosting Support

Supplier challenge testing demonstrated that Propanediol at 2–6% improved the performance of several phenoxyethanol-based and naturally positioned preservative systems against bacteria, yeast and mold.

Propanediol is not a preservative and should not be used as the sole preservation system.

Hair and Scalp Care

Propanediol can improve:

Moisture retention
Wet and dry combing
Conditioned feel
Body and fullness
Static control
Shampoo spreadability
Leave-in conditioner sensory performance

In one clear shampoo study, the Propanediol formula required less sodium chloride to achieve viscosity than comparable formulas containing propylene glycol or butylene glycol.

Supplier testing also found that Propanediol enhanced the activity of zinc pyrithione against Malassezia globosa in an anti-dandruff shampoo model.

Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Propanediol is useful in clear deodorant sticks and roll-on antiperspirants, where it can:

Improve clarity and durability
Support fragrance solubilization
Function as a solvent for aluminum salts
Improve roll-on stability and roller-ball mobility
Produce a smooth, non-sticky and quick-drying finish

Formulation Notes

Add to the water phase or use to prepare an active-ingredient premix.
Use 1–5% for general humectancy, skin feel and preservation support.
Use 5–10% when greater moisturization or solvent performance is needed.
Higher concentrations may be suitable for specialized deodorant or solvent systems.
When working with glycerin, replace a portion of the glycerin with Propanediol to improve sensory performance.
A 1:1 Propanediol-to-glycerin blend is a practical starting point.
Confirm active solubility through bench testing.
Always conduct preservative efficacy testing on the finished formulation.
In surfactant systems, evaluate viscosity before finalizing salt additions.
Store tightly sealed and protect from unnecessary exposure to moisture and oxygen.

Applications

Skin Care

Moisturizers and serums
Toners, essences and facial mists
Gel creams and lotions
Cleansers and micellar products
Sensitive skin formulations
Anti-aging and acne-prone skin products
Sunscreens and after-sun products
Wipes and baby care

Hair Care

Shampoos and co-washes
Rinse-off and leave-in conditioners
Hair masks and detanglers
Curl creams and styling gels
Scalp serums
Heat-protection and anti-static products
Hair colorants

Deodorant and Personal Care

Clear deodorant sticks
Natural deodorants
Roll-on deodorants
Antiperspirant roll-ons
Body sprays
Fragrance products

Additional Applications

Color cosmetics
Active concentrates
Botanical extracts
Hydroalcoholic products
Sun care
Personal cleansing products

From the Chemist

Jennifer says…

“Propanediol is much more than a basic humectant. I especially like using it alongside glycerin because it preserves strong hydration while creating a cleaner, less sticky finish. It can also help dissolve selected actives, improve hair care sensorials and support preservation, making it a highly versatile ingredient for nearly every formulation category.”

Specifications

Appearance: Clear

Odor: Low, Sweet

Solubility: Water

Viscosity, cP (20°C): 52

Density, g/ml (20°C): 1.053

pH: Neutral

Purity: 99.8%

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing

This Propanediol is produced through fermentation using plant-derived glucose rather than petroleum-based feedstocks.

Supplier documentation identifies it as:

100% bio-based
Free from added petroleum-derived ingredients
Free from animal by-products
Free from added preservatives
Typically 99.8–99.99% pure

Supplier life-cycle data reports lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced nonrenewable energy use compared with both propylene glycol and petroleum-derived 1,3-propanediol.

Compliance, Source & Processing Notes

INCI: Propanediol
Bio-Based Content: 100%
Source: Plant-derived glucose
Process: Fermentation and purification
Origin: USA
Animal By-Products: None added
Petroleum-Based Ingredients: None added
Added Preservatives: None
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA HazCom 2012
Transportation: Not regulated as dangerous goods by DOT, IMO or IATA
Supplier-Listed Certifications: USDA BioPreferred, Natural Products Association, Halal, Kosher and USP-NF

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