1,2-Pentylene Glycol Applications in Cosmetics

1,2-Pentylene Glycol（ShengQing Trade Name：SQ-Proactive PG） has become a common ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products in recent years. It not only demonstrates excellent effects in moisturizing, antibacterial, solvent, and thickening, but also plays a key role in extending the shelf life of products and improving skin sensation. This article will introduce the benefits and applications of 1,2-Pentylene Glycol in cosmetics, including test experiments, formulation recommendations, and which skincare brands contain this ingredient.

Main Benefits of 1,2-Pentylene Glycol

The main benefits of 1,2-Pentylene Glycol in cosmetics can be summarized as follows:

1.1 Moisturizing Effect

    1,2-Pentylene Glycol has excellent moisturizing properties, helping the skin retain moisture through its hygroscopic action and improving dry skin. Compared to other common moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, 1,2-Pentylene Glycol provides more long-lasting hydration.

1.2 Antibacterial Effect

    1,2-Pentylene Glycol has certain antibacterial properties that can inhibit bacterial growth. Therefore, it serves a dual function in some skincare products as both an antibacterial and preservative agent, extending the product’s shelf life.

1.3 Solvent Action

    As a solvent, 1,2-Pentylene Glycol effectively dissolves and delivers other active ingredients, enhancing the stability of the product formulation. It plays a crucial role in promoting and stabilizing the interaction between water-based and oil-based ingredients.

1.4 Enhancing Skin Sensation

    1,2-Pentylene Glycol helps improve the skin feel of cosmetics, making the product smoother and non-greasy during use. It is commonly found in lotions, serums, and creams to provide a better user experience.

Test Experiments on 1,2-Pentylene Glycol

To verify the effectiveness of 1,2-Pentylene Glycol in cosmetics, several studies have tested its performance using various experimental methods:

2.1 Moisturizing Effect Experiment

    In one experiment testing the moisturizing effect of 1,2-Pentylene Glycol, participants applied two different skincare products on separate areas of their skin: one containing 1,2-Pentylene Glycol and the other without. After 24 hours, results showed that the product containing 1,2-Pentylene Glycol significantly improved skin hydration and reduced water loss.

2.2 Antibacterial Effect Experiment

    The antibacterial properties of 1,2-Pentylene Glycol have also been verified in several studies. For instance, in bacterial culture experiments, researchers found that 1,2-Pentylene Glycol effectively inhibited the growth of common skin bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Formulation Recommendations

Here are some cosmetic formulations that incorporate 1,2-Pentylene Glycol:

3.1 Moisturizing Lotion

• Key Ingredients: 1,2-Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter

• Benefits: Deeply moisturizes and nourishes dry skin, enhancing the skin barrier.

• Formulation Notes: 1,2-Pentylene Glycol acts as a moisturizer in combination with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, prolonging hydration and providing nourishment with shea butter, making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

3.2 Gentle Cleanser

• Key Ingredients: 1,2-Pentylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panthenol

• Benefits: Gently cleanses while maintaining skin moisture.

• Formulation Notes: 1,2-Pentylene Glycol boosts the cleansing power while preventing dryness, and cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle surfactant that cleanses without damaging the skin barrier.

3.3 Lightweight Cream

• Key Ingredients: 1,2-Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol

• Benefits: Improves skin barrier, deeply nourishes, and keeps skin soft and smooth.

• Formulation Notes: 1,2-Pentylene Glycol stabilizes the absorption of glycerin and squalane, making the cream more hydrating and suitable for all skin types.

Marketing Products Using 1,2-Pentylene Glycol in Skincare

Many well-known skincare brands use 1,2-Pentylene Glycol in their products. Here are a few examples:

• SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE

• HABA G-LOTION  

• WINONA ANTI-ACNE CREAM

Conclusion

1,2-Pentylene Glycol is a versatile ingredient in cosmetics, with benefits that go beyond just moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It also improves the stability of formulations and enhances skin feel, making it a valuable addition to many skincare products. Through ongoing research and testing, its broad applications in skincare have been validated, encouraging more brands to incorporate it into their formulations. Consumers looking for products that feature 1,2-Pentylene Glycol can expect better hydration and a more pleasant user experience.