CAS Number:
57-55-6
INCI/Chemical Name:
Propylene Glycol
Chemical Formula:
C3H8O2
Other Names:
Monopropylene Glycol (MPG), 1,2-Propanediol, Methyl ethylene glycol
EINECS/ELINCS No:
200-338-0
Uses:
It is used as a multi-functional humectant and solvent in a wide range of products.
· Skin Care: Used in serums, creams, and moisturizers to hydrate the skin, improve its appearance, and prevent flaking. It also helps extend product shelf life due to its antimicrobial properties.
· Hair Care: Found in shampoos and conditioners, where it moisturizes hair, making it softer and easier to comb while preventing tangles.
· Cosmetics: Helps retain moisture in makeup products, improving spreadability and creating a less thick texture.
· Other Uses: Serves as a solvent for flavors and colors in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Origin:
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic material. It can be derived from natural gas or petroleum, or from plant-based sources where it is produced by reacting glycerol with hydrogen under high pressure and temperature.
What does MONOPROPYLENE GLYCOL (MPG) do in a formulation?
Its primary functions in a formulation, as defined by INCI, are:
- Humectant
- Emollient
- Preservative
- Solvent
- Viscosity Controlling Agent
Safety Profile:
· General Assessment: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is halal.
· Recommendation: It is always advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before regular use and to consult a dermatologist in case of any irritation.
Technical profile:
| Property | Values |
| Appearance | Viscous liquid, clear, colorless, with a slightly sweet taste |
| Odor | Almost odorless |
| Solubility | Completely miscible with water |
| Melting Point | -59°C |
| Boiling Point | 188.2°C |
| pH | 9.3 - 10.5 |
| Viscosity | 42 centipoise |
| Flash Point | 101°C |
Note:
Some precise technical properties, such as active matter content and distillation range, are typically listed on the specific product's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and may not always be publicly available