Is methylpropanediol too harsh on the skin?

What is Methylpropanediol?

Lotions and moisturizing creams may contain an ingredient called methylpropanediol.

It is a colorless, transparent liquid that is used as a moisturizing ingredient. It is also used to dissolve other ingredients and to adjust the viscosity of cosmetics.

Methylpropanediol is a relatively new cosmetic ingredient.
It has become a new option as some people avoid PG (propylene glycol) and glycerin .

Function of methylpropanediol in cosmetics

Methylpropanediol is said to have the following effects:

• Attracts moisture to the skin
• Helps retain moisture
• Moisturizes
• Improves the skin's barrier function

It's no wonder it's used as a moisturizer. It also feels light and non-sticky on the skin, and helps cosmetics spread more easily.

Is methylpropanediol safe?

How do the various organizations that evaluate the safety of cosmetic ingredients evaluate methylpropanediol? Let's take a look.

EWG

The American EWG has rated methylpropanediol as highly safe , but also notes that there is insufficient data and information available.

CIR

CIR is the world's most authoritative organization for evaluating the safety of ingredients, and has determined that it is safe when used at concentrations between 0.025% and 21.2% .

It's safe even at very high concentrations.
However, compared to the similarly named propanediol, its safety seems to differ slightly.

Related article: What is propanediol in cosmetics? Can it be used by people with sensitive skin?

Difference Between Methylpropanediol and Propanediol

Methylpropanediol and propanediol. They have similar names.

Both have almost the same purpose, such as moisturizing and dissolving other ingredients, but there are some differences in the manufacturing method and skin irritation.

Manufacturing method

Propanediol can be derived from plants, such as glucose from corn.
On the other hand, methylpropanediol is chemically synthesized using carbon monoxide to produce an organic compound.

Skin irritation

Both ingredients are generally considered safe by CIR and EWG.
However, there are some differences in the items related to skin sensitization by CIR.

What is skin sensitization? When the skin is exposed to the same substance for a long period of time, the body begins to prepare for the development of an allergy.

The CIR states that propanediol is not a skin sensitizer.
Some studies have shown that methylpropanediol is not a skin sensitizer. However, some studies have shown mild skin sensitization. Additional studies have also indicated that it may cause erythema and rough skin.

Propanediol and methylpropanediol have similar names and properties, but it may be said that propanediol is gentler on the skin.

Conclusion

There are many ingredients that are used in moisturizers, which serve as the base of cosmetics.

In addition to methylpropanediol and propanediol, various types are used in cosmetics, such as PG, DPG, BG , and glycerin. However, PG and DPG are often avoided because they are known to be highly irritating to the skin.

Related article: Is the DPG in cosmetics safe?

Therefore, methylpropanediol may become more widely used as an alternative ingredient in the future, but as it is a new ingredient, there is not yet sufficient data available on its safety.

Cosmetics are something we use every day.

Even if a product appears to be gentle on the skin, you should carefully consider whether it will suit your skin.