Propylene Glycol.
Also known as: 1,2-propanediol, propane-1,2-diol, methyl ethyl glycol, PG
A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics. While considered safe at low concentrations, it is a skin irritant at higher levels and enhances absorption of other ingredients — including harmful ones.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Propylene Glycol.
Low risk at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Daily use as a penetration enhancer is concerning when paired with other harmful ingredients.
Moderate concern. Cumulative irritation and enhanced penetration of co-formulated ingredients.
What the research says.
Skin irritant and sensitizer at concentrations above 2%, causing redness, itching, and contact dermatitis.
Acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing absorption of all other ingredients — including toxic ones — through the skin.
In rare cases, high-concentration exposure can cause systemic toxicity, particularly in children and those with compromised skin barrier.
Contact Dermatitis, 2005 — propylene glycol sensitization review
Global status.
How propylene glycol is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
The reason brands include it.
Attracts and retains moisture, improves product texture, and enhances the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.
11
products in our database
8
brands use it
4
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose propylene glycol because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like vegetable glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Propylene Glycol in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing propylene glycol.
Products Containing Propylene Glycol
These popular products list propylene glycol in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full breakdown.
Compared to Numbrrrz.
Here’s how the lowest-scoring product containing propylene glycol compares.
Estée Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Tri-Peptide Face and Neck Creme SPF 15
Estee Lauder
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz uses Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Jojoba Oil for natural moisture retention without synthetic humectants or penetration enhancers like propylene glycol.