Humectant ·
1,2-Pentanediol
INCI: Pentylene Glycol
What is it?
A humectant and solvent, also used to help stabilize and boost preservative systems in cosmetic formulations.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a 2026 retrospective patch-test study at Antwerp University Hospital found pentylene glycol allergy in 6.74% of patients tested with it, with concomitant propylene glycol reactions in most of those cases -- a real contact-allergy signal that runs against its marketing as a gentle propylene-glycol alternative (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.70211). Separately, pentylene glycol (as 1,2-pentanediol) has been studied as a cosmetically-approved component of surfactant-free microemulsions for delivering actives such as alpha-arbutin through the skin (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00382).
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This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.