Propanediol 1,3
Natural Corn-Derived Humectant
INCI: Propanediol · CAS 504-63-2 · C₃H₈O₂ · Humectant · Solvent · Preservative Booster · Water Soluble
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Propanediol 1,3 is a plant-derived humectant obtained through the fermentation of renewable corn sugar. It delivers serious hydration with a non-tacky, lightweight finish — no stickiness, no heaviness, just clean moisture that stays where you put it.
Unlike traditional glycols, it provides the moisturizing performance of glycerin with a superior sensory profile, making it the preferred choice for formulators who want effective hydration without compromising the feel of the finished product. It also functions as a preservative booster, enhancing the efficacy of preservatives like phenoxyethanol and allowing for lower overall preservative usage rates in the formula. Vegan, biodegradable, and Ecocert approved — a clean label humectant built for modern formulations.
| INCI Name | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Propanediol | 504-63-2 | Humectant, solvent, preservative booster, viscosity modifier |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| CAS number | 504-63-2 |
| Chemical formula | C₃H₈O₂ |
| Odor | Mild, sweet |
| pH range | 4.5–7.0 |
| Boiling point | 211–217°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Origin | Corn sugar fermentation · renewable · vegan |
| Certifications | Ecocert approved · Health Canada approved |
| Storage | Cool, dark, dry place · sealed container |
| Shelf life | 2 years from date of manufacture |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Skincare — creams, serums, toners, moisturizers | 3–10% |
| Haircare — shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments | 3–10% |
| Suncare and makeup — primers, BB creams, sunscreens | 3–10% |
| High-performance gels and serums | Up to 20% |
| Preservative boosting systems | 3–5% |
- Add to the water phase — fully miscible in water at all ratios
- Superior sensory profile to glycerin — non-tacky, lightweight finish preferred in modern formulations
- Boosts preservative efficacy — allows for reduced phenoxyethanol or other preservative usage rates
- Enhances penetration of active ingredients — improves delivery of vitamins, peptides, and other actives
- Excellent in haircare — reduces static, improves detangling, and adds shine without buildup
- Improves clarity in surfactant systems — useful for transparent cleansers and micellar waters
- Can be used as a direct replacement for propylene glycol or glycerin in clean-label formulations
- Store sealed in a cool, dark place — stable under normal storage conditions
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Need a larger quantity? Reach out — support@inci-vault.com
Propanediol (INCI: Propanediol · CAS 504-63-2) is a corn-derived humectant, solvent, and preservative booster. Non-tacky lightweight finish. Ecocert approved. Vegan and biodegradable. Use at 3–10% in most applications, up to 20% in gels and serums. Water soluble. 2 year shelf life.
- Facial creams, serums, and toners — 3–10% for non-tacky, lightweight hydration
- Shampoos and conditioners — 3–10% to reduce static, improve detangling, and add shine
- Leave-in hair treatments — 3–10% for frizz control and moisture without buildup
- Sunscreens and primers — 3–10% to improve spreadability and hydration
- Preservative boosting — 3–5% to enhance efficacy of phenoxyethanol and other preservatives
- Transparent cleansers and micellar waters — improves clarity in surfactant systems
- High-performance gels and serums — up to 20% for maximum humectancy
- Direct replacement for propylene glycol or glycerin in clean-label formulations
| What is Propanediol 1,3 used for?A corn-derived humectant, solvent, and preservative booster used in creams, serums, toners, shampoos, conditioners, and sunscreens. Delivers non-tacky, lightweight hydration and enhances penetration of active ingredients. |
| Is it better than glycerin?It provides similar moisturizing benefits but with a lighter, less tacky texture — preferred in modern lightweight formulations. Also a direct clean-label replacement for propylene glycol. |
| Is it natural and vegan?Yes — derived from the fermentation of renewable corn sugar. 100% plant-based, vegan, biodegradable, and Ecocert approved for use in natural and organic cosmetics. |
| What is the recommended usage rate?3–10% in most skincare and haircare formulations. Up to 20% in high-performance gels and serums. 3–5% for preservative boosting. |
| How should it be stored?Cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Shelf life 2 years from date of manufacture. |
Note: Propanediol pairs exceptionally well with INCI VAULT's Hydroxyethyl Urea for a layered, non-tacky humectant system in serums and essences — Propanediol handles penetration and solvent action while Hydroxyethyl Urea locks in surface moisture without any stickiness.
