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Although you may not have seen it by name before, propanediol is an ingredient in many of the cosmetics you use. Keep reading and know its benefits and possible risks.
Propanediol, is also known as 1,3-propanediol, PDO or PDO, it’s a derived from petroleum, as well as glucose or sugar from corn. Although it can be obtained synthetically in the laboratory.
It is used as a solvent in personal care products and cosmetics. In this sense, it is a common ingredient in shampoos, lotions, cleansing creams, and various skin treatments, due to its moisturizing properties.
Currently, is certified and approved by health authorities in the United States and Europe. This does not mean that it is totally safe, since there are not yet enough studies to ensure its total safety.
What is propanediol?
Propanediol is part of the alkanediol family. These consist of an alkane (straight or branched carbon chains with hydrogens) and a diol (compound with two alcoholic groups), in different positions.
Regarding the prefix prop-, means ‘three carbon atoms’. Simply put, it is three carbons and two alcohols. Propanediol has an alcohol group at each end, at carbons 1 and 3.
The PDO It can be derived from the glucose or sugar of corn, as well as from petroleum, and it is also synthesized in the laboratory. Its appearance is that of a liquid, almost transparent or slightly yellow. It is odorless and dissolves completely in water, forming a homogeneous solution.
What is propanediol used for?
As an ingredient, propanediol is increasingly used. It is found in a variety of products, from personal care creams and anti-aging serums, to printer ink and antifreeze. Even in electronic cigarettes.
It is appreciated for its efficiency and low cost. Helps dilute the other ingredients and quickly absorb a product. For this reason, it is used in facial masks, antiperspirants, hair dyes and eyeliners, among other cosmetics.
Solvent
As mentioned, propanediol is an effective solvent for active ingredients, with which an optimal mixture is obtained, without lumps. And since it is colorless and odorless, PDO does not affect the resulting product.
Fluidity and absorption
Propanediol helps reduce the viscosity of cosmetics, so that the mixture is more manageable. This is ideal for creams, such as those used on the skin. If a product is sticky, it is more difficult to apply and spread.
In this way, propanediol helps not only fluidity, but since the resulting texture is lighter and less greasy, absorption is facilitated. Consequently, the active ingredients penetrate better.
Preservative
Like parabens, it also has properties that allow the product to be preserved. Although it is used less in this sense than propylene glycol, PDO helps cosmetic quality stay intact longer.
Propanediol benefits
In particular, in body care products, propanediol not only improves skin texture and feel. It also provides additional benefits.
Moisturizer
It is ensured that the PDO attracts moisture from the air and retains it, reducing dehydration. This is very beneficial for those who show signs of dryness, whatever the cause of dry skin. These same hydrating qualities of propanediol are useful in hair care products.
Anti-aging
Aging of the skin is associated with a significant decrease in the amount of natural moisturizer in the epidermis. But the moisturizing effect of propanediol contributes to the reduction of the signs left by the passage of time.
Emollient
Emollient properties are also attributed to propanediol. Not only does it prevent water loss, but it helps to have smoother skin.
Acne prevention
The fact that PDO has astringent effects, helping to clean and remove dirt from the skin, promotes that there are no clogged pores, which makes it ideal for people prone to acne.
Is propanediol the same as propylene glycol?
In some way, PDO is similar to other glycols, such as propylene glycol (PG). The formula also has three more hydrogenic carbons, attached to two alcohol groups; only that they are in the first and second carbon. That is why the PG is called 1,2-propanediol.
Propylene glycol is widely used in the cosmetic and even food industry. However, propanediol is considered safer. In fact, it has been found in studies that PG causes allergic reactions.
As a result, propylene glycol has received negative publicity as an ingredient in skin care products, recognizing it as an allergen. Consumer protection groups have lobbied, so some companies have chosen to substitute the PG for PDO.
And while the two compounds have the same formula, they do not have the same molecular structure. That translates into different behavior. On the other hand, propanediol can be of natural origin.
What other names is propanediol called?
When you look on cosmetic labels, propanediol may show up as an ingredient, albeit under several different names. The most common are the following:
- 1,3-propanediol.
- Propane-1,3-diol.
- Methylpropanediol,
- Trimethylene glycol.
- 1,3-dihydroxypropane.
- 2-deoxyglycerol.
Is Propanediol Safe?
The experts affirm that PDO and compounds that include this molecule are safe. Therefore, the health risks are low compared to propylene glycol.
And while some people may experience skin sensitivity when applying propanediol products, the studies affirm that the chance of an allergic reaction is minimal, especially if it is absorbed through the skin in small amounts.
So far, only one case where propaneidol is considered to have played a role in the death of a person. But it was a woman who intentionally ingested large amounts of PDO antifreeze.
No other studies have found evidence that small amounts absorbed through the skin can cause any harm. On the other hand, no effects on pregnancy or risks to the fetus have been identified.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certificate that propanediol is safe in cosmetics, as well as in food products. Although their presence should not exceed authorized levels.
As of yet, long-term side effects on health have not been explored. Research results seem to confirm that there are no risks in cosmetics or personal care products that contain low amounts. But in the same way they must be used with caution.
Finally, if the person has an allergy or sensitivity to propylene glycol, you have to be more careful. It is always advisable to do a test before starting to apply any new product.
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