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PDO = 1,3-propanediol
CAS NO:504-63-2
EC NO:207-997-3
Propanediol (PDO) is a common ingredient used in cosmetics such as lotions, cleansers, and other personal care products.
Propanediol is a chemical similar to propylene glycol, but is considered safer than it.
Physicochemical Information
Boiling point 213 - 215 °C (1013 hPa)
Density 1.05 g/cm3 (20 °C)
Explosion limit 2.5 %(V)
Ignition temperature 405 °C
Melting Point -32 °C
pH value 4.5 - 7.0 (100 g/l, H₂O, 20 °C)
Vapor pressure <0.1 hPa (20 °C)
Solubility 100 g/l
On the other hand, not enough studies have been done yet to definitively determine the reliability. Given the available data, propanediol, which is used extensively in cosmetics, is likely to carry risks leading to serious problems.
Propanediol is a chemical derived from corn or petroleum.
Propanediol has a transparent or very light yellow color.
Propanediol is almost odorless. You can see PDO as an ingredient in almost every category of cosmetic and personal care products.
Propanediol has many consumption areas.
Propanediol is found in many products from skin cream to printer inks, from cleaners to antifreeze.
Cosmetic companies use it as a moisturizer as it is effective and low cost. This helps your skin quickly absorb the other ingredients in the product you choose for it.
Propanediol also provides dilution of other active ingredients.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PDO is most commonly found in face moisturizers, serums, and face masks. However, you can also find it in other personal care products, including:
deodorants
hair dyes
eye pencils
foundations
Propanediol may be listed under several different names. The most common are:
1,3-propanediol
trimethylene glycol
methylpropanediol
propane-1,3-diol
1,3-dihydroxypropane
2-deoxyglycerol
Where does it come from?
Propanediol is a chemical substance either derived from corn or petroleum.
Propanediol can be clear or very slightly yellow.
Propanediol’s almost odorless.
What is it used for in cosmetics?
Propanediol has many household and manufacturing uses.
Propanediol’s found in a variety of products, from skin cream to printer ink to auto antifreeze.
Cosmetic companies use it because it’s effective — and low cost — as a moisturizer.
Propanediol can help your skin quickly absorb other ingredients in your product of choice.
Propanediol can also help dilute other active ingredients.
Propanediol is a frequently preferred chemical component in cosmetic products because its cost is cheap and easy. In addition to its moisturizing effect, it increases the effectiveness of the product by ensuring that other active ingredients in the product are absorbed more easily by the skin.
Propanediol is derived from petroleum and is actually an irritant. however, it is frequently used in cosmetic products because it does not pose a serious risk when exposed to low doses. However, it may react on very sensitive or dermatitis-prone skin.
Propanediol may cause perioral dermatitis.
What Is Propanediol?
Technically speaking, propanediol is a three-carbon diol and a colorless viscous liquid that is miscible (or mixible) with water. Since it's derived from corn sugar, Palep describes propanediol as a natural alternative to propylene glycol.
Propanediol can be found in cosmetics and personal care products, like lotions, cleansers, toners, and other topical skin treatments. A bit of an overachiever, propanediol can function as a solvent, humectant, and even an emollient when used in skincare.
TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Solvent, humectant, and emollient.
MAIN BENEFITS: Dissolves ingredients, decreases viscosity, and retains moisture.
WHO SHOULD USE IT: Generally, anyone looking for an alternative to propylene glycol in their skincare.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: Propanediol is a safe ingredient to use regularly, provided that you do not have a sensitivity to it.
WORKS WELL WITH: Because of its wide range of uses, propanediol does not function especially well with any ingredient in particular.
DON'T USE WITH: According to dermatologists, propanediol works well with most, if not all, ingredients.
Propanediol at a Glance
Also known as 1,3-propanediol.
Improves absorption of ingredients to their boost effectiveness in skin.
May also be used as an emollient, solvent or as support for the preservative system.
Can be derived naturally from corn or created synthetically.
Considered a safe, well-tolerated ingredient, not likely to cause sensitivity.
Propanediol Description
Propanediol (also known as 1,3-propanediol) is a glycol that can increase the absorption of ingredients (such as salicylic acid) to improve their effectiveness. Additionally, it offers moisturizing properties that can result in a smooth, dewy finish as the formula sets. Propanediol is a considered a safe, well-tolerated ingredient, not likely to cause sensitivity.
Propanediol is a versatile ingredient with additional properties that make it a favorable choice in skin care products, including its ability to boost the effectiveness of a preservative system within a formula.
It can also serve as a solvent in a blend of ingredients.
Propanediol can be derived naturally from corn or created synthetically.
Propanediol is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous (somewhat sticky) liquid and is chemically similar to 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol).
Propanediol (1,3-propanediol) is a natural humectant, used in many formulations. Propanediol has excellent sensory characteristics and is environmentally sustainable.
Propanediol can be made from fermenting corn sugar, or synthetically.
Propanediol (1,3-propanediol) and propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) share the same empirical formula (C3H8O2), but their molecular structure is different.
Its functions (INCI)
Solvent: Dissolves other substances
Viscosity control agent: Increase or decrease the viscosity of cosmetics
Propanediol is the simplest member of the class of propane-1,3-diols, consisting of propane in which one hydrogen from each methyl group is substituted by a hydroxy group. A colourless, viscous, water-miscible liquid with a high (210℃) boiling point, it is used in the synthesis of certain polymers and as a solvent and antifreeze.
Propanediol has a role as a protic solvent and a metabolite.
USES
*Propanediol is mainly used for making polytrimethylene terephthalate polymer, which is used in fibers and fabrics, for example, carpets, textiles, engineering thermoplastics, nonwovens, films, and monofilaments.
Propanediol finds also use as chain extender in thermoplastic polyurethanes, where it contributes to improved thermal, hydrolytic and dimensional stability. In adipate polyesters with other diols these diols are partly substituted by 1,3-propanediol to break crystallinity in order to obtain liquid polyester polyols. In polyesters for powder coatings Propanediol improves the flexibility but lowers the glass transition temperature somewhat.
Propanediol finds also uses in cosmetics and personal care products, engine coolants, and solvents for ink-jet and screen inks.
*Industrial uses: functional fluids (open system); intermediates; solvents (for cleaning or degreasing); solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) Consumer uses: anti-freeze and de-icing products; apparel and footwear care products; building/construction materials; floor coverings; ink, toner and colorant products; laundry and dishwashing products; personal care products
*Intermediate, especially for polyesters
*Polymers, foods, lubricants, medicines, intermediate for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
Industry Uses
Intermediates
Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture)
Consumer Uses
Ink, toner, and colorant products
Industry Processing Sectors
All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
Propanediol may refer to any of three isomeric organic chemical compounds:
1,2-Propanediol (propylene glycol)
2,2-Propanediol (a geminal diol)
1,1-Propanediol (a geminal diol)
1,3-Propanediol (trimethylene glycol)
General description
Propanediol undergoes enantioselective transformation to (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol by the cell extract of Corynebacterium sp. strain N-1074 .
Propanediol is a contaminant found in food in free (diol) form as well as in an esterified (with fatty acids) form.
Application
Propanediol may be used in manufacture of dye intermediates.
Propanediol, also called propylene glycol, is a clear, viscous, organic solvent derived from corn.
Propanediol is a preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products such as conditioner, lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, makeup, hair spray, and other products.
Propanediol absorbs water, which is why the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries use it as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food.
Propanediol also keeps products moist.
Propanediol is manufactured by treating propylene with chlorinated water to form chlorohydrin, which is then treated with sodium carbonate solution.
Propanediol is also prepared by heating glycerol with sodium hydroxide.
Propanediol, also known as 1,3-propanediol, is a colorless liquid that's naturally derived from corn glucose, or corn sugar.
Propanediol can also be synthesized in a lab for use in personal products.
Propanediol is water-miscible, which means it can fully dissolve in water. The two can create a uniform, consistent solution when combined.
In terms of chemical makeup, propanediol is an alkanediol, which consists of an alkane and a diol. A quick chemistry lesson: An alkane is a chain of carbons with hydrogens attached. A diol is any compound that has two alcohol groups. Finally, the prefix prop- refers to three carbon atoms in that chain. Prop + alkane + diol equals propanediol.
1. Propanediol dissolves ingredients.
Propanediol is an excellent solvent, which means it effectively dissolves other ingredients. And while this might sound like a negative trait, it's essential for optimal application. "As a solvent, propanediol dissolves active ingredients—like salicylic acid—for easier delivery to the skin," explains board-certified dermatologist Kiran Mian, D.O.
Propanediol's also colorless, odorless, and mixes well with other ingredients, so it's useful for enhancing a formula's composition in a minimally invasive way.
2. Propanediol makes products more fluid.
Spreadability is a major factor of a good, high-quality formula. After all, if a product is too sticky and tacky, it would be an absolute pain to apply. Propanediol helps by reducing a product's viscosity, says Mian, so it can flow in a manageable way. This allows you to effortlessly move around the formula and apply it with ease.
3. Propanediol adds moisture to the skin.
Propanediol "also acts as a humectant and emollient," says Mian, meaning it adds moisture to the skin and reduces moisture loss. This can help improve skin texture, adds Sobel, which explains why it's found in so many personal products. The ingredient's humectant and emollient properties also make it useful in cosmetics like makeup primer, foundation, and mascara.
Propanediol is a useful little molecule and has found applications as a skin conditioning agent, humectant (moisturizer), fragrance ingredient, solvent and is used to reduce the viscosity of a formulation.
Propanediol is seen in a wide variety of products including, but certainly not limited to: conditioner, shampoo, foundation, mascara, body wash, hair spray, cleanser and moisturizer
Propanediol exists in two common forms, 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol) and 1,3-propanediol.
Propanediol can act as multipurpose ingredient: emollient, humectant, booster, solvent, viscosity enhancer and carrier for actives.
Propanediol is a high purity ingredient 100% from renewable sources GMO-free and an ideal especially in Ecocert/Cosmos products and formulations.
Pure Propanediol as a pH close to 7 and even at concentration higher than 70% ensures absence of skin irritation or sensitization.
Propanediol is made from natural glycerol and is an excellent natural alternative to petroleum-based glycols (propylene glycol, butylene glycol or methylpropanediol) and glycerin. bio-Propanediol is also miscible with the majority of glycols and alcohols, as well with water.
Compared to standard glycols Propanediol gives better performance both in skin moisturizing (no tackiness and filming, soft feeling) and hair moisturizing (higher water absorption, increased smoothness and softness).
Propanediol shows a synergic effect in combination with glycerin with a long lasting moisturizing effect using a combination on both.
Benefits
100% from renewable sources
GMO-free
excellent booster of preservative systems
improve moisturizing efficiency
absence of skin irritation or sensitization
excellent sensorial profile
Functions
emollient
humectant
solvent
botanical extraction
viscosity enhancer
carrier for actives
booster
Applications
Cosmetics: skin care - make up - hair care - deodorant - toiletries - cleansers - sun care - baby care
Fragrances
Pharmaceuticals
Natural extracts
Propanediol is a natural alternative for the often used and often bad-mouthed propylene glycol.
Propanediol's produced sustainably from corn sugar and it's Ecocert approved.
Propanediol's quite a multi-tasker: can be used to improve skin moisturization, as a solvent, to boost preservative efficacy or to influence the sensory properties of the end formula.
Propanediol is a natural, skin-friendly preservative-boosting humectant for all kinds of formulations.
Propanediol is made from renewable corn sugar fermentation. Has excellent sensory characteristics & is environmentally sustainable.
Propanediol is naturally-derived. Clear liquid, mild odor. Soluble in water.
Benefits:
- 100% natural
- Can be used to replace petroleum-based glycols such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol or glycerin in formulations
- Acts as humectant, emollient, skin penetration enhancer and solvent
- Boosts efficacy of preservatives
- Improves skin moisturization
Use: Add to the water phase of formulations. Typical use level 1-10% depending on the type of formula. For external use only.
Applications: Creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, sun care, skin treatments.
Propanediol is a natural, skin-friendly, preservative-boosting alternative to petroleum-based glycols and glycerin for formulators who desire versatile and innovative cosmetic ingredients.
Propanediol is a natural, skin-friendly preservative-boosting humectant for all kinds of formulations.
Propanediol is naturally derived and made from renewable corn sugar fermentation.
Propanediol has excellent sensory characteristics & is environmentally sustainable.
Propanediol can be used to replace propylene glycol, butylene glycol or glycerin in formulations. Acts as humectant, emollient, skin penetration enhancer and solvent. Boosts preservative efficacy, improves skin moisturization and is 100% natural.
A colourless and highly pure glycol derived from a sustainable and renewable corn sugar fermentation process. The perfect solution where non-petroleum based ingredients are desired.
Propanediol can be used in cosmetic formulation to replace glycols such as propylene glycol and butylene glycol. Depending up formulation needs it can also act as an emollient, humectant, hand-feel modifier or solvent.
Propanediol is an ideal solvent for making your own natural extracts, gum slurries and disolving certain actives.
Propanediol (also called 1,3-propanediol) is a natural solvent and emollient that’s derived from corn sugar.
Propanediol’s typically clear and odorless.
The propanediol formula is C3H8O2.
Propanediol’s considered the simplest member of the class of propane-1,3-diols.
The solvent is found in cosmetics and personal care products, such as face cleansers, lotions, toners and makeup.
Although the chemical is similar to propylene glycol, it’s thought to be a safer options, which is why it’s getting a good bit of attention in the cosmetics space. In fact, researchers suggest that it has gone from a “speciality chemical” to a “commodity chemical.”
Propanediol is used as a solvent for thin film preparations, in the production of polymers such as polytrimethylene terephthalate, adhesives, laminates, coatings, moldings, aliphatic polyesters, as an antifreeze and in wood paint.
Propanediol also acts as a reagent for vinyl epoxide synthon, for epoxide ring-opening, for polymerization reactions and for natural product syntheses.
Propanediol. A preservative-boosting humectant with excellent sensory characteristics.
Propanediol is used as an emollient, skin penetration enhancer and solvent with good moisturizing properties.
Propanediol is classified as :
Solvent
Viscosity controlling
Application/Recommended for
Decorative cosmetics/Make-up
Hair care (Shampoos, Conditioners & Styling)
Skin care (Facial care, Facial cleansing, Body care, Baby care)
Sun care (Sun protection, After-sun & Self-tanning)
Toiletries (Shower & Bath, Oral care...)
Chemical Properties
Colorless oil liquid; odorless. Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Combustible.
Chemical Properties
Propanediol, an isomer of propylene glycol, is a viscous, colorless, odorless, hygroscopic liquid that has a brackish irritating taste .
Uses
Propanediol is prepared as a by-product in the manufacture of glycerin by the saponification of fat .
Propanediol is used to lower the freezing point of water and as a chemical intermediate. Industrial exposure is limited.
Uses
Solvent for thin film preparations. Vinyl epoxide synthon and reagent for epoxide ring-opening3 and polymerization reactions. Reagent for natural product syntheses.
About this substance
Helpful information
This substance is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 to < 10 000 tonnes per annum.
This substance is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses
Propanediol is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products, perfumes and fragrances, fertilisers and plant protection products. Other release to the environment of Propanediol is likely to occur from: indoor use as processing aid, indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters), outdoor use as processing aid and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).
Article service life
Release to the environment of Propanediol can occur from industrial use: industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal).
Other release to the environment of Propanediolis likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Propanediol can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: Machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical/electronic products covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive (e.g. refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, computers, telephones, drills, saws, smoke detectors, thermostats, radiators).
Widespread uses by professional workers
Propanediol is used in the following products: laboratory chemicals, adhesives and sealants, coating products, finger paints, fertilisers, inks and toners, lubricants and greases, plant protection products, polymers and cosmetics and personal care products.
Propanediol is used in the following areas: building & construction work, scientific research and development and health services.
Propanediol is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, electrical, electronic and optical equipment, machinery and vehicles, textile, leather or fur, plastic products and furniture.
Other release to the environment of Propanediol is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters), outdoor use as processing aid and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).
Formulation or re-packing
Propanediol is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products, polymers and perfumes and fragrances.
Release to the environment of Propanediol can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Uses at industrial sites
Propanediol is used in the following products: laboratory chemicals, polymers, adhesives and sealants, anti-freeze products, coating products, finger paints, fertilisers, heat transfer fluids, inks and toners, lubricants and greases, plant protection products, perfumes and fragrances, polishes and waxes and cosmetics and personal care products.
Propanediol is used in the following areas: mining, scientific research and development, building & construction work and health services.
Propanediol is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, electrical, electronic and optical equipment, machinery and vehicles and plastic products.
Release to the environment of tPropanediol can occur from industrial use: in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), in processing aids at industrial sites, of substances in closed systems with minimal release, for thermoplastic manufacture and as processing aid.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of Propanediol can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.
What Is Propanediol?
Propanediol is a naturally derived ingredient that is used in cosmetics and skincare to improve the texture and feel of the formulation. As an emollient propanediol also helps the skin to retain moisture and hydration.
Propanediol is mainly used for its texture improving benefits but has added extra benefits. The lack of direct benefits to the skin may be why you haven’t heard of propanediol before.
Propanediol is a glycol also known as 1,3-propanediol.
Propanediol has a similar structure to another skincare ingredient, propylene glycol or 1,2-propanediol. While the difference between these two ingredient’s structure and names may be subtle, the small difference makes for different uses and safety profiles.
What Are The Benefits of Propanediol?
In cosmetics and skincare products, propanediol helps to improve the texture and sensory feel of the product.
Propanediol also has added benefits for hydration, moisturization, and may be beneficial for hair care products too.
Protective
As an emollient, propanediol has the ability to soften and soothe the skin. Upon application, propanediol forms an occlusive or protective film on the surface of the skin that aids in preventing water loss to the air or dry environments. Over time, this increases skin hydration by causing a buildup of water in the top layers of the skin, helping to support the skin’s natural water levels. Products that contain propanediol, such as creams, lotions, and moisturizers, are an excellent choice to support dry skin.
Hydration
Propanediol also functions as a humectant. A humectant is a water-loving substance that pulls water into the skin. Humectants attract and retain the moisture from the air nearby via absorption, drawing the water vapor into or beneath the surface o the skin. Once again, these properties make propanediol an ideal ingredient for dry or dehydrated skin.
Anti-aging
Those with aging skin can also benefit from humectants since the skin naturally loses hydration with age. As part of the normal aging process, there is a significant decrease in the amount of Natural Moisturizing Factor found within the epidermis. The Natural Moisturizing Factor is comprised of natural humectants, as well as amino acids, PCA, lactates, sugars, salts, urea, and peptides. All of these substances work together to keep the skin’s surface intact, supple, and hydrated. When the Natural Moisturizing Factor becomes depleted, the skin appears dry and flaky and is more susceptible to wrinkle formation. Applying products that contain humectants like propanediol can keep skin hydrated while working to reduce signs of aging.
Haircare
These same hydrating properties of propanediol make it a useful ingredient for hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, leave-on conditioners, or styling products.
Propanediol provides a cleaner feeling after rinsing while potentially increasing moisturization, improving detangling, reducing static, and improving wet and dry combing.
Solvent
Lastly, propanediol functions as a solvent.
Propanediol is considered to be an excellent solvent for harder to dissolve ingredients, such as salicylic acid, ferulic acid, allantoin, and ascorbic acid.
Propanediol provides a light, non-sticky, slightly dry skin feel.
Propanediol
THE GOOD:Helps hydrate the skin and improve the texture and feel of formulations.
THE NOT SO GOOD:Propanediol doesn’t cause irritation or sensitivity so nothing to look out for here.
WHO IS IT FOR?All skin types except those that have an identified allergy to it.
SYNERGETIC INGREDIENTS:Works well with most ingredients
KEEP AN EYE ON:Be mindful that propanediol is not usually a key ingredient, its moisturizing properties are mostly a byproduct of its texture enhancing.
Propanediol is a humectant and solvent derived from corn sugar.
Propanediol is a good natural alternative to propylene glycol.
Propanediol 1,3 is a natural, skin-friendly preservative-boosting humectant for all kinds of formulations.
Propanediol is made from renewable corn sugar fermentation. Has excellent sensory characteristics & is environmentally sustainable.
Propanediol is naturally-derived. 100% natural. Can be used to replace petroleum-based glycols such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol or glycerin in formulations. Acts as humectant, emollient, skin penetration enhancer and solvent. Boosts efficacy of preservatives. Improves skin moisturization.
IUPAC names
1,3-Dihydroxypropane
1,3-Propanediol
1,3-propanediol
1,3-Propylene glycol
Propan-1,3-diol
PROPANE-1,3-DIOL
Propane-1,3-diol
propane-1,3-diol
Propane-1,3-diol
TRIMETHYLENE GLYCOL
SYNONYMS:
1,1-Propandiol [German] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1,1-Propanediol [ACD/Index Name] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1,1-Propanediol [French] [ACD/Index Name] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
26264-14-2 [RN]
598-44-7 [RN]
Propandiol
propane diol
Propane-1,1-diol
propanediol [Wiki]
(R)-(-)-Propanediol
(S)-(+)-Propanediol
1,2-Propanediol,3,3'-[(dibutylstannylene)bis(thio)]bis-
4254-14-2 [RN]
4254-15-3 [RN]
68298-38-4 [RN]
