humectant

Propanediol 1,3

INCI: 504-63-2

What is it?

Propanediol (short for 1,3-propanediol) is a humectant that's genuinely different from propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) despite the very similar name. The dominant modern supply is made by fermentation: corn-derived glucose is fed to an engineered strain of E. coli that converts it directly into propanediol, which...

How is it used?

Add it to the water phase. Supplier guidance suggests storing and handling it between about 0°C and 50°C, avoiding prolonged exposure to air and water for long-term quality.

Forms

Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.

Appearance

Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.

Usage rate

Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.

Why we use it

Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.

Strengths and limitations

Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.

Alternatives and substitutions

Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.

Storage and shelf life

Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.

Propanediol 1,3

What is it?

How is it used?

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