Propylene Glycol
AKA “1, 2-propanediol, propane-1, 2-diol, 57-55-6, 2-Propylene glycol, 2-dihydroxypropane, 2-Hydroxypropanol, Isopropylene glycol, Dowfrost, Sirlene
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
Propylene glycol
AKA: 1, 2-propanediol, Propane-1, 2-diol, 57-55-6, 2-Propylene glycol, 2-dihydroxypropane, 2-Hydroxypropanol, Isopropylene glycol, Dowfrost, Sirlene
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 3
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is an organic compound (a diol alcohol), usually a tasteless, odorless, and colorless clear oily liquid that is hygroscopic and miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. It is manufactured by the hydration of propylene oxide. Propylene glycol is used as a solvent for intravenous, oral, and topical pharmaceutical preparations It is generally considered safe. However in large doses it can be toxic, especially if given over a short period of time. Intravenous lorazepam contains the largest amount of propylene glycol of commonly used drugs. In adults with normal liver and kidney function, the terminal half-life of propylene glycol ranges from 1.4 to 3.3 hours. Propylene glycol is metabolized by the liver to form lactate, acetate, and pyruvate. The nonmetabolized drug is excreted in the urine mainly as the glucuronide conjugate, approximately 12 to 45 percent is excreted unchanged in urine. Renal clearance decreases as the dose administered increases (
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C3H8O2
Mol. Weight
76.09
CAS #
57-55-6
Form
Powder
State
Thick odorless colorless liquid. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in the 1930s as a synthetic glycol compound. Became widespread in cosmetics after World War II as a humectant and solvent; replaced animal-derived glycerin in many formulations due to better stability and lower cost.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
NTP toxicology and carcinogensis studies of dipropylene glycol (CAS No. 25265-71-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (drinking water studies).
National Toxicology Program technical report series, 2004
Effect of hydration on the structure of non aqueous ethyl cellulose/propylene glycol dicaprylate gels.
Bruno L, Kasapis S, Heng PW
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2012
Propylene glycol dermatitis.
J M Catanzaro, J G Smith
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1991
Propylene glycol dermatitis.
J M Catanzaro, J G Smith
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1991
Propylene glycol dermatitis.
J M Catanzaro, J G Smith
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1991
Addendum to the Final Report on the Safety Assessment of 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (JEPT 4(4) 47-61 1980)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report of the Safety Assessment for 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, and Dipropylene Glycol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of PEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate, PEG-75 Propylene Glycol, PEG-120 Propylene Glycol Stearate, PEG-10 Propylene Glycol, PEG-8 Propylene Glycol Cocoate, and PEG-
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol (PG) Dicaprylate, PG Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PG Dicocoate, PG Dipelargonate, PG Isostearate, PG Laurate, PG Myristate, PG Oleate, PG Oleate SE,
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol and Polypropylene Glycols
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol Stearate and Propylene Glycol Stearate Self-Emulsifying
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Amended Safety Assessment of PEG Propylene Glycol Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Revised Tentative Report: Amended Safety Assessment of 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol, Tripropylene Glycol and PPGs as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Almond Oil Propylene Glycol Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Apricot Kernel Oil Propylene Glycol Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Avocado Oil Propylene Glycol Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Olive Oil Propylene Glycol Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-10 Propylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-120 Propylene Glycol Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-6 Propylene Glycol Caprylate/Caprate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-75 Propylene Glycol Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-8 Propylene Glycol Cocoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Alginate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Behenate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Capreth-4
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Caprylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Cocoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dicaproate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dicocoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Diisononanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Diisostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dilaurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dioleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Dipelargonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Distearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Diundecanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Heptanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Isodeceth-12
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Isodeceth-4
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Isostearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Laureth-6
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Linoleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Linolenate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Myristate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Oleate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Oleate SE
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Oleth-5
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Soyate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol Stearate SE
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propylene Glycol/Sebacic Acid/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Soybean Oil Propylene Glycol Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Tripropylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Dipropylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-25 Propylene Glycol Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PEG-8 Propylene Glycol Cocoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
PROPANE-1
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Alginate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Caprylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Cocoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Dipelargonate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Heptanoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Isostearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Laurate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Oleate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Oleate SE
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propylene Glycol Stearate SE
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Tripropylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
Safety assessment of propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and PPGs as used in cosmetics.
Fiume MM, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2012
The Additive Influence of Propane-1,2-Diol on SDS Micellar Structure and Properties.
Gudelj M, Šurina P, Jurko L, Prkić A, Bošković P
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2021
2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Urinary excretion of propylene glycol butyl ether (PGBE) and propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) in healthy human participants and workers.
Hopf NB, Kaspar S, Berthet A, Hechon J, Pache J et al.
International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 2026
Propylene Glycol.
Jacob SE, Scheman A, McGowan MA
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2018
Propylene Glycol.
Jacob SE, Scheman A, McGowan MA
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2018
Propylene Glycol.
Jacob SE, Scheman A, McGowan MA
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2018
Propylene Glycol.
Jacob SE, Scheman A, McGowan MA
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2018
Propylene Glycol.
Jacob SE, Scheman A, McGowan MA
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2018
Propylene Glycol.
Jacob SE, Scheman A, McGowan MA
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2018
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-75 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-120 propylene glycol stearate, PEG-10
Johnson W Jr, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2001
The Inhibitory Effect of Propylene Glycol Alginate Sodium Sulfate on Fibroblast Growth Factor 2-Mediated Angiogenesis and Invasion in Murine Melanoma
Ma H, Qiu P, Xu H, Xu X, Xin M et al.
Marine drugs, 2019
Propylene glycol, skin sensitisation and allergic contact dermatitis: A scientific and regulatory conundrum.
Pemberton MA, Kimber I
Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 2023
Kitty Litter Dermatitis from-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol.
Sullenbarger JW, Hensley B, Travers JB
Skinmed, 2017
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR