Pentylene Glycol

What Is It?

Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol are 1,2-glycol compounds that vary only by the number of carbons. Each of these compounds has a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the first and second carbons. Pentylene Glycol has 5 carbons, 1,2-Hexandiol has 6 carbons and Caprylyl Glycol has 8 carbons in the carbon chain. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients may be used in baby products, bath products, eye makeup, cleansing products, skin care products and hair care products.

Why Is It Used?

The following functions have been reported for the 1,2-glycol ingredients:

Hair conditioning agent

  • Caprylyl Glycol Preservative
  • Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol Skin-conditioning agent
  • emollient
  • Caprylyl Glycol Skin-conditioning agent
  • miscellaneous
  • Pentylene Glycol Solvent
  • Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol

Scientific Facts

Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol are all soluble in water, with water solubility increasing with decreasing carbon chain length. Although Caprylyl Glycol and Pentylene Glycol have been reported to have some antimicrobial activity, these ingredients may also serve to increase the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives.

Safety Information

The safety of Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel reviewed the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.

CIR Safety Review:

The CIR Expert Panel reviewed data indicating that Caprylyl Glycol and the smaller compounds were easily absorbed into the skin. Additional studies suggested that these compounds are metabolized in the skin before they reach the systemic circulation. Repeated dose studies with these compounds have not resulted in significant adverse effects or effects on reproduction or development. These compounds were not genotoxic. Products containing the 1,2-glycol ingredients did not cause dermal irritation or sensitization.

Based on the data reviewed, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol are safe for use in cosmetic products. Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylyl Glycol may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm