Is pentylene glycol safe? Why can it be used safely on sensitive skin?

Pentylene glycol in cosmetics

More and more people are concerned about the ingredients in cosmetics. If you are one of those people, you may have seen the ingredient name pentylene glycol on a list of all ingredients.

It is used in a variety of products, but many people may be wondering what kind of ingredient it is. In this article, we will introduce why it can be used safely even by those with sensitive skin.

Based on scientific information such as reports from CIR (a US agency for the safety and quality of ingredients), we will provide a detailed explanation of pentylene glycol's basic properties, effects on the skin, and safety.

What is pentylene glycol made from?

Pentylene glycol is available in both synthetic and natural origins . In the past, synthetic origin was the mainstream, but now the use of plant-derived pentylene glycol seems to be spreading.

Synthetic origin

The raw material is propylene oxide, a petroleum-derived substance. It is made by reacting propylene oxide with water. It can be mass-produced, is inexpensive, and is chemically stable.

However, propylene oxide is actually a substance suspected of being carcinogenic by WHO and other national organizations, but there is little supporting data, so the truth is unclear.

Naturally derived

In recent years, methods have been developed using biotechnology to produce pentylene glycol from natural raw materials such as vegetable oils.
In most cases, the origin of the ingredients cannot be found on the full ingredient list, so if you want to avoid synthetic ingredients, it is best to check with the manufacturer.

Benefits of using pentylene glycol

Pentylene glycol has moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It is also considered to be a hypoallergenic and highly safe ingredient, so it is used in many cosmetics.

The specific benefits are as follows:

Moisturizing

Its moisturizing effect helps retain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness and leaving the skin soft and smooth.

Antibacterial properties

It has mild antibacterial properties, so it is also used as an antiseptic.

Penetration-promoting effect

It helps other ingredients penetrate the skin, helping active skin and hair care ingredients work more effectively.

As a stabilizer

It also has the function of stabilizing cosmetic ingredients, helping to maintain the quality of the product.

Is pentylene glycol safe?

The typical concentration of pentylene glycol in cosmetics is around 1-5%. It is rarely used in high concentrations, and is considered a low-irritant, safe ingredient when used in normal concentrations.

The same can be said in reports by the US CIR, which evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients. At typical low concentrations, it is considered to be very safe and has very low irritation.
Other risks are also assessed as follows:

Allergy risk

Pentylene glycol is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction , but not everyone is susceptible to it, and in rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation .

Risk of percutaneous absorption

The rate of absorption through the skin is low, and the risk of systemic effects is considered to be extremely low.

Carcinogenicity and Reproductive Toxicity

The CIR report states that pentylene glycol is not carcinogenic.
In addition, no toxicity to reproductive function or effects on development have been reported, and it is considered safe at typical usage levels.

summary

The CIR report also stated that pentylene glycol is safe and poses low risk to skin and health with normal use.
Of course, this doesn't mean that anyone can use it with 100% confidence, but it seems like it's an ingredient that most people can use with confidence.