Pentylene Glycol Green

Humectant
Pentylene Glycol Green is a humectant used in a variety of products to boost preservatives and active ingredients while simultaneously providing moisture.

INCI
Pentylene Glycol

Natural cosmetic compliant
COSMOS certified

Item number

Characteristics

A humectant of plant origin (sugar cane) with preservative and solvent properties.

 

This natural, multifunctional substance is chemically classified as an alcohol and is extremely versatile. Pentylene Glycol Green is not only a humectant but also an outstanding solvent. Its special feature is that it is not only soluble in water, but also in oil – it is therefore surface-active and acts similarly to a surfactant. This makes it easier to dissolve or emulsify poorly water-soluble raw materials and active ingredients in the water phase.

It is also very popular for alternative preservation and as a preservative booster, as it is particularly effective against bacteria. Due to its good water solubility, it can be used in serums and tonics, for example, without causing turbidity. With Pentylene Glycol Green, water-clear gel formulations with an appealing texture and luxurious application feel can be produced effortlessly. Due to its solvent properties, it can also be used to make products more transparent, clearer, or thinner – e.g., tonics, sprays, or surfactant formulations.

Be careful when using it in emulsions. Due to its surface-active properties, it supports the emulsifier in forming the emulsion; however, it also slightly thins the emulsion and can have a destabilizing effect if the concentration is too high, and it can also make the emulsion more transparent ("glassy"). However, at low dosages – as a preservative booster (1–2%) – no problems are generally to be expected. Here, it could be supplemented with, for example, Propanediol Green. Due to its pronounced solvent properties, it should also be kept in mind that it can be slightly irritating to the skin in high concentrations (6–7%). This is usually not a problem, except for sensitive skin, the eye area, or barrier-impaired skin. However, we usually recommend the combination with Preblend Aqua, as this achieves better broad-spectrum efficacy against all germs and the dosage can be reduced.

Another interesting area of application is as an extraction agent for plants. It can be used alone or in combination with alcohol and/or water. Due to its pronounced lipophilic (fat-loving) and hydrophilic (water-loving) properties, it is possible to dissolve a multitude of different ingredients from plants. Furthermore, the extract obtained in this way is excellently "self-preserved" and highly bioavailable, as the pentylene glycol increases the absorption of active ingredients by the skin.

Tip: Compared to Propanediol, pentylene glycol feels a little "richer" ("oiler") and stickier on the skin. To compensate for this, both humectants could be combined. To generally remove the stickiness of humectants from emulsions, we recommend our Lipoblend Ultralite.

Usage concentration and processing

• 1 – 7% in emulsions, serums, and tonics
• 1 – 3% as a preservative booster (e.g., with Preblend Aqua)
• 6 – 8% as a standalone "preservative"

Special features at a glance

• Outstanding humectant
• Excellent solvent and extraction agent for plant extracts
• Water AND oil soluble
• Boosts the preservative system
• Can also be used as a standalone preservative
• Facilitates the penetration of active ingredients into the skin
• Acts as a refatting agent in surfactant formulations (shower gel, face foam, etc.)
• Facilitates emulsion formation – but can also impair stability (at higher dosages)!
• Can be combined with glycerin and propanediol