Quick answer
Occurs naturally in some plants (such as sugar beets); Binds well to water, making it a good hydrating ingredient; Has mild preservative properties; Has been deemed safe as used in cosmetics Key benefits: Hydration.
Pentylene Glycol
Updated
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Purpose
This water-binding ingredient works well in cosmetics as a hydrating ingredient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It has been deemed safe for use in skin care products.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Humectant, Solvent, Preservative
INCI Purpose
SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT
Benefits
Alternative Names
Hair Profile
Functions
At a Glance
Occurs naturally in some plants (such as sugar beets)
Binds well to water, making it a good hydrating ingredient
Has mild preservative properties
Has been deemed safe as used in cosmetics
Article
Pentylene glycol is an ingredient which is found naturally in some plants (such as sugar beets and corn cobs) but is most frequently lab-derived when used in cosmetics. It is a humectant, meaning it binds well to water, making it a good hydrating agent and solvent to aid penetration of other ingredients. It also helps improve the texture of skin care formulas and has mild preservative properties when used in amounts between 1-5%.
There have been some reports that pentylene glycol (along with other glycols) is a skin sensitizer; however, as with many ingredients, the amount and how it’s used are key. In cosmetics formulations the concentration of pentylene glycol ranges from 0.001% to 5%, an amount which the Cosmetics Ingredient Review panel has deemed safe to use in leave-on products.
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