What’s Propylene Glycol? Tell me more.

We’re always here to provide more information around our ingredients and formulations. So, what’s propylene glycol? And why has it been added to the washes? 

A quick Google search might make you question what this ingredient is...but we also know that the internet is inundated with multiple sources and misinformation. To settle your questions, here’s the down low.  

Here’s the cliff notes: Propylene Glycol is a humectant, solvent, emollient, and preservative. Its main benefits are attracting water and locking it into the skin. Who should use it? Anyone who is looking for additional hydration. Propylene glycol is a safe ingredient to use regularly barring that you do not have an allergy to it!  

The ingredient itself is a colorless, odorless liquid that is completely water-soluble. This ingredient is widely used in personal care products as it is used as humectant and preservative.   

How about the benefits?

Propylene glycol has a ton of functions and is used in varying ways due to its versatility. Here are some of the ingredient's main functions:  

Propylene glycol has many functions and is used in a multitude of skincare products for its versatility. Here are its main functions: 

• Attracts water: At a low concentration, propylene glycol acts like a humectant, which means it binds water and pulls in hydration to the outer skin layer. Supporting hydration.  
• Boosts other ingredients: Because of its binding properties, propylene glycol can enhance the delivery of other ingredients into the skin.
• Lightly moisturizes: It offers moisturizing properties and can help smooth and soothe the skin.

Ok, but why a preservative system? 

Preservatives are necessary as they keep ingredients in the formula fresh and able to provide the intended benefits, preventing the inevitable challenge of bacteria and other microbes that may be harmful and cause infection. PET testing (preservative efficacy testing) is key in providing substantiated scientific evidence that the preservative ingredients are preventing growth during the shelf and usage life of the product. We chose these preservatives because they can all be found naturally (I.e., in plants, teas, and fruits), but can be created synthetically and safe for use (unlike parabens and other preservatives).  

For more ingredient information, please head to our Ingredient Glossary here.