What is "Pentylene Glycol" and what is its purpose?

Pentylene glycol, or pentane-1,2-diol, is a diol with the molecular formula C5H12O2. The two alcohol groups are attached to the first and second carbon atoms respectively. A few years ago, only the synthetic version derived from mineral oils was available and used in cosmetic care. Today, pentylene glycol is also available in a plant-based version, particularly in natural and/or certified organic products. It is then extracted from renewable plant sources such as corn or sugarcane.

Pentylene glycol is a compound recognised both for its functional activity (as a solvent, preservative) in a cosmetic formula and the benefits it brings to the skin:

• Pentylene glycol is a humectant that retains water in the superficial layers of the epidermis.

  Composed of two alcohol functions (-OH), pentylene glycol demonstrates an affinity with water molecules; it is a hydrophilic compound. It thus retains moisture in the skin as well as in hair fibres, preventing their breakage. It is recommended for the care of dry and dehydrated skin, as well as brittle, split and damaged hair.

• Pentylene glycol is frequently used as a solvent in a product.

  Capable of dissolving numerous active substances and ingredients, pentylene glycol is often added to formulations to stabilise the mixture. Its non-reactivity towards other compounds makes it an excellent solvent.

• As a preservative, it restricts the growth of microbes and bacteria within the formulations.

  Pentylene glycol has the ability to preserve a skincare product from any microbial growth, thereby enhancing the product's longevity and maintaining its effectiveness and safety over time.

Note : This anti-microbial function also protects the skin from harmful bacteria that can be present in large quantities in acne (S. aureus and S. epidermidis in particular) or cause significant body odours, especially in the armpit area.

We only use plant-derived pentylene glycol, sourced from sugarcane. This compound is present in the following two skincare products:

• The face moisturising cream with 9 ingredients: enriched with hyaluronic acid and organic coconut oil, this is a minimalist formula that hydrates and nourishes the epidermis. Its light and non-greasy texture is suitable for dry, normal and combination skin, even sensitive ones.

• Themicellar waterhas been designed using only ingredients essential to its function. Any superfluous element has been discarded. It consists of 7 ingredients. The pentylene glycol present in this product helps to stabilise the formula and hydrate the skin.

• The nourishing body cream restores the skin's lipid barrier, reduces feelings of tightness and protects the skin from external aggressions.

• GOOSSENS A. & al. Les nouveaux conservateurs et excipients des cosmétiques. Progrès en dermato-allergologie (2005).