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INGREDIENT DICTIONARY
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Pentylene Glycol (USP)

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INCI: Pentylene Glycol / CAS #: 5343-92-0

A multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used as a humectant, solvent, and formulation support component.

 

Key benefits

  • Multifunctional humectant and solvent
  • Enhances preservative system performance
  • Improves formulation performance
  • Contributes to smoother skin feel

Behaviour in formulations

Pentylene Glycol contributes to moisture retention while improving the dispersion and performance of other ingredients.

It can also enhance the overall sensory profile of formulations, helping reduce tackiness when used alongside other humectants.

Add to the water phase with mixing until fully uniform. Suitable for cold-process and heated systems.

Pentylene glycol integrates easily into most formulations and does not require pre-dissolving.

Use level considerations

Use Rate (Min): 1.0
Use Rate (Max): 5.0

  • Leave-on: 1–5%
  • Rinse-off: 1–3%
  • Commonly used alongside glycerin to reduce tack and improve sensory balance

Starter Use Rate: 2–3% for most cosmetic formulations

At typical use levels (1–5%), pentylene glycol provides effective hydration with a lighter, less sticky finish than glycerin.

At higher concentrations, it can influence viscosity and preservative performance, so balancing with other humectants and rheology modifiers is recommended.

Formulation summary

  • Water-soluble multifunctional ingredient
  • Adds humectancy while improving skin feel compared to glycerin alone
  • Can support preservative systems (boosting effect)
  • Suitable for gels, emulsions, and surfactant-based systems

Quality notes

Pentylene Glycol is supplied as a high-purity, colourless liquid with consistent performance across formulations.

 This material is fermentation-derived and meets cosmetic-grade specifications, supporting predictable behaviour in formulation systems.   

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