Pentylene glycol is a synthetic, low molecular weight solvent and skin-conditioning agent that is used in many cosmetic products. It is part of the 1,2-glycol family of ingredients, which are characterized by the presence of two hydroxyl or alcohol groups on the first and second carbon atoms. Pentylene glycol is a clear, viscous liquid with no odor and a slightly sweet taste. It is a hydrophilic ingredient, which means that it binds well to water, making it a great ingredient to emulsify and thicken products.
Positive:
- Pentylene glycol is a good hydrating agent and solvent that aids in the penetration of other ingredients.
- It has effective emollient and lubricant properties and increases the spreading properties of emulsions.
- Pentylene glycol is multifunctional and derived from renewable raw materials from sugar cane.
- It has been deemed safe to use in leave-on products by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel.
Negative:
- There is some ongoing research into 1,2-alkanediols, which is a subgroup that includes some 1,2-glycols. The study is investigating the potential for some of these ingredients to have an antimicrobial effect in products. This research seems to suggest that pentylene glycol may have this property, which may explain its ability to work as a preservative.
- There is some evidence that pentylene glycol may be an emerging cosmetic allergen.
Ingredients or materials:
- Pentylene glycol is usually synthetically derived, but it was initially obtained from plant-based sources such as sugar beet juice.
- In most formulations, the concentration of pentylene glycol will range from 0.001-5% .
Overall, pentylene glycol is a multifunctional ingredient that is used in many cosmetic products. It has effective emollient and lubricant properties, increases the spreading properties of emulsions, and is derived from renewable raw materials from sugar cane. However, there is some ongoing research into its potential antimicrobial effect in products, and there is some evidence that it may be an emerging cosmetic allergen.
