About Propylene Glycol
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.
FDA: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food and cosmetic use. No concentration limits in cosmetics.
5Moderate Concern
Sunscreen Products Containing Propylene Glycol
3 products found in our database.
View full ingredient analysis
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Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50
Banana Boat
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
View full ingredient analysisShop Numbrrrz Instead
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30
Hawaiian Tropic
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
View full ingredient analysisShop Numbrrrz Instead
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 30
Hawaiian Tropic
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Clean Alternatives
Instead of Propylene Glycol, look for sunscreen products made with:
vegetable glycerin
hyaluronic acid
aloe vera
honey
sodium PCA
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.
Propylene Glycol in Other Categories
FAQ
Why is Propylene Glycol used in sunscreen products?
Attracts and retains moisture, improves product texture, and enhances the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.
How many sunscreen products contain Propylene Glycol?
In our database, 3 sunscreen products contain Propylene Glycol as a flagged ingredient. The actual number on the market is likely much higher, as our database covers major brands but not every product available.
Is Propylene Glycol more dangerous in sunscreen than other products?
Risk depends on exposure route and frequency. Sunscreen products are applied to the skin, where ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Daily use as a penetration enhancer is concerning when paired with other harmful ingredients.
What is a safe alternative to sunscreen with Propylene Glycol?
Look for sunscreen products that use vegetable glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera instead of Propylene Glycol. Numbrrrz lip balm uses only organic, food-grade ingredients and contains zero flagged chemicals.
