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INGREDIENT DICTIONARY
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Propanediol (1,3)

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INCI: Propanediol / CAS #: 504-63-2

Propanediol (1,3) is a cosmetic-grade humectant and solvent used to support hydration, improve skin feel, and enhance formulation performance. It is commonly used in water-based systems to reduce tack and improve overall sensory profile.

Key benefits

  • Supports hydration with reduced tack
  • Improves spreadability and glide
  • Enhances sensory profile in formulations
  • Broad compatibility across formulation systems

Behaviour in formulations

Propanediol is compatible with:

  • cold-process and heated systems
  • gels, emulsions, and surfactant-based formulations
  • a wide range of actives and functional ingredients

It is typically added to the water phase and mixes readily under standard processing conditions.

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

Use level considerations

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

  • Leave-on: 1–5%
  • Rinse-off: 1–3%
  • Often used to reduce tack in glycerin-based systems

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

At typical use levels (1–5%), propanediol provides effective hydration with a lighter, less tacky feel than glycerin.

At higher levels, it may influence viscosity and overall sensory feel, so balancing with other humectants is recommended.

Formulation summary

  • Water-soluble humectant and solvent
  • Helps reduce tack and improve spreadability
  • Suitable for gels, emulsions, and surfactant systems
  • Often used in combination with other humectants

Quality notes

This propanediol is a high-purity, fermentation-derived cosmetic grade ingredient with a verified assay of 99.96%. It is batch tested for consistency, low impurity profile, and reliable formulation performance. COA-backed specifications are available on request.

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