Pentylene Glycol

INCI: Pentylene Glycol

What It Is

Pentylene Glycol is a lightweight, multifunctional liquid that works as a humectant, solvent, and preservation booster in one. Derived from bio-based or synthetic sources, it draws moisture into the skin, enhances the penetration and solubility of actives, and contributes to the microbial stability of your formulation — all without the heaviness or stickiness of traditional glycols.

It has a clean, water-like skin feel that makes it a favourite in serums, essences, toners, and lightweight moisturizers where texture elegance is non-negotiable.

Why Formulators Love It

• Dual-function humectant and solvent — simplifies your formula
• Preservation booster — enhances efficacy of your preservative system
• Lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky skin feel
• Improves spreadability and skin absorption of actives
• Water-soluble and compatible with a wide range of ingredients
• Suitable for cold and hot process formulations
• Works across a broad pH range
• Gentle enough for sensitive skin formulations

Ideal For

• Hydrating serums and essences
• Toners and mists
• Lightweight moisturizers and gel creams
• Cleansers and micellar waters
• Formulations with challenging actives requiring enhanced solubility
• Products targeting sensitive, dry, or compromised skin barriers

Usage Guidelines

Recommended Use Level: 1–5% (humectant and solvent); up to 10% as a preservation booster depending on your system.

Phase: Water phase. Add directly to the aqueous phase during formulation.

Process: Cold or hot process compatible. No special handling required.

Preservation Boosting: Works synergistically with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, and other broad-spectrum preservatives to reduce required preservative load.

Compatibility

Compatible with: Most water-soluble actives, humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, betaine), AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, peptides, surfactants, and standard preservative systems.

Solubility: Water-soluble; also miscible with ethanol and many polar solvents.

Technical Specifications

• Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid
• Solubility: Water-soluble
• Recommended Use Level: 1–10%
• Process: Cold or hot process
• Phase: Water phase
• Skin Feel: Lightweight, non-sticky
• Function: Humectant, solvent, preservation booster, skin-conditioning agent