Pentylene glycol

Pentylene Glycol (1,2-Pentylene glycol or Pentane-1,2-diol) is a natural diol derived from sugar cane bagasse's remaining waste, but a cheap synthetic analog also available in the market. This multifunctional ingredient is a colorless, odorless, slightly viscous liquid that serves as a moisturizer, solubilizer, preservative, emulsion stabilizer, etc.

1,2-Pentylene glycol is a well-known moisturizer due to the humectant properties of the molecule, proven scientifically by in-vivo studies. Also, it is an excellent solubilizer, as Pentylene glycol helps to solubilize many challenging ingredients, including fragrances. It can also increase the clarity of translucent formulations like aqueous gels and toners.

It protects products from harmful bacteria and improves shelf-life, working synergistically with many preservatives, boosting their efficacy and thus helping to reduce their dose. In addition, Pentane-1,2-diol stabilizes formulations, especially oil-in-water emulsions (as a co-emulsifier with an HLB value of 8.4), which helps reduce the particle size of emulsions, thus providing less coalescence and better stability.

This diol enhances the bioavailability of other ingredients (proven by ex-vivo study), boosting the activity of both lipophilic and hydrophilic actives. Furthermore, Pentylene glycol improves pigment distribution, makes whiter and shinier emulsions, promotes penetration into the skin, and improves the efficiency of cooling agents.

Incorporated in sun care applications, Pentylene glycol enhances water resistance and the entire safety of the formula used even in SPF 50+ products. It also can control the viscosity and texture of the final product. In skin and hair care products and decorative cosmetics, its concentration can reach up to 5%.