What’s The Truth About Propylene Glycol in Skincare?
What’s The Truth About Propylene Glycol in Skincare? At first glance, when you hear, ‘propylene glycol’ you can almost imagine finding this phrase in a NASA science newsletter for aeronautic engineers rather than featuring in a post about beauty products and skincare for women.
Nothing could be further from the truth, as this tongue-twisting compound is one of the most popular ingredients in thousands of skincare and cosmetic products.
So What Exactly Is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, odorless, colorless, water-soluble liquid produced by adding water to a derivative of petroleum products known as propylene oxide.
It is commonly used as a humectant (a substance that helps retain moisture or reduces moisture loss), a solvent, a preservative, or an emollient in a variety of skin care products such as creams, serums, lotions, to name a few.
When To Use Propylene Glycol On Skin
It is okay to use products containing propylene glycol if:
- You are not in any way allergic to the ingredient;
- You strictly adhere to directions for the usage of the product;
- You only apply the amount of the product as instructed;
- You apply the product only once, at most twice a day as instructed;
- You only apply the product to affected areas.
Benefits of Propylene Glycol
- Helps the Skin Absorb Water
At low concentration levels, propylene glycol acts as a humectant by securing and transferring water to the skin’s outer layer. Products containing propylene glycol give off a well-hydrated look when applied to the skin.
- Acts as a Moisturizing Agent
Besides acting as a humectant, propylene glycol imbues your skin with some moisturizing benefits, giving you a velvety smooth appearance when you use propylene glycol infused products
- Reduces Signs of Aging
Our skins have a component known as the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) that gradually dries out as we grow older, leading to that wrinkly, flaky, rough ‘old people’ look. Propylene glycol-infused products can reduce the rate at which the skin ages.
The Best Products with Propylene Glycol in Skincare
- Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Paula’s Choice is a twice-a-day acne solution lotion that works by disrupting the root causes of acne on contact with its propylene glycol component, minimizes dryness and flakiness.
- Credentials Glycolic Cleanser
Credentials contain 8.5% glycolic acid that helps dead skin slough off faster on one hand and stimulates collagen production on the other. Propylene glycol as a hydrating agent helps maintain the skin’s natural balance as well as improve overall skin texture.
- SkinCeuticals C +AHA
This propylene glycol-infused antioxidant product tackles aging using a brilliant interplay of beneficial ingredients that reduce the emergence of wrinkles and fine lines, neutralize free radicals and stimulate collagen production, leading to more youthful-looking skin.
- I On Youth Collection by Irene Michaels™ Roll-On Serum
The I On Youth Collection by Irene Michaels™ Roll-On Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid which retains up to 300 times its weight in water on your skin, combines with propylene glycol to keep skin fully hydrated, and healthy while encouraging rapid skin cell regeneration for that flawless, radiant, youthful look. Buy yours here on AMAZON.
Read more from I On The Scene: HERE.
