Pentylene Glycol

INCI: Pentylene Glycol | Function: Humectant, Solvent, Preservative Booster | Type: Multifunctional glycol

What Is Pentylene Glycol?

Pentylene Glycol is a multifunctional ingredient derived from sugarcane or corn. It acts as a humectant (drawing moisture to skin), solvent for active ingredients, and antimicrobial booster — enhancing the efficacy of preservative systems while providing a light, non-sticky skin feel.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Multi-functional: moisturizes, dissolves, preserves
+ Lightweight, non-sticky hydration
+ Enhances preservative efficacy (booster effect)
+ Improves skin penetration of active ingredients

Pros

+ Natural-derived (sugarcane/corn bagasse)
+ Non-irritating and well-tolerated
+ Antimicrobial booster — allows lower preservative levels
+ Good sensorial profile — non-tacky feel

Cons

− Can be drying at very high concentrations (>10%)
− Some plant-derived grades may have odor variation
− Higher cost than propylene glycol

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant-derived / Synthetic
Natural Level	Natural-derived

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
As humectant	1 - 5%
As solvent/penetration enhancer	2 - 5%
As preservative booster	1 - 3%

References

CIR (2012) — Amended Safety Assessment of Alkylene Glycols. PMID: 23064757
EWG Skin Deep — Score 1/10
SpecialChem — Pentylene Glycol INCI profile

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