Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PENTAFLUOROPROPANE.

Avoid CAS 460-73-1 / FRAGRANCE, PROPELLANT, SOLVENT

Pentafluoropropane is a volatile fluorinated compound primarily utilized for its rapid cooling effect on the skin, inducing temporary cryo-anesthesia and pain relief through physical evaporation. While it serves as an effective topical analgesic and propellant, it is categorized as a Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substance (PFAS) by the FDA and EWG, raising significant safety concerns.

Summary

masking propellant solvent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as a cryo-anesthetic on the skin, rapidly evaporating upon topical application. This physical process generates an intense cooling sensation, leading to temporary numbing and localized pain relief. Its mechanism is physical, distinct from typical biochemical interactions in cosmetic contexts.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Pentafluoropropane is a non-flammable, volatile, colorless substance, existing as a liquid or gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It exhibits slight solubility in water (approximately 7.18 g/L at 21°C) and is miscible with organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and petroleum solvents. Its high volatility necessitates formulation as a propellant or cryogen, requiring containers to be free from contaminants, particularly oil and water, to maintain stability.

Conflicts

  • natural rubber (NR)
  • nitrile rubber (NBR)
  • ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM)
  • polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
  • polystyrene
  • polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • polyisobutylene

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Unknown

Pentafluoropropane has not been explicitly reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel or the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The FDA classifies it as a Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substance (PFAS), noting 'significant data gaps' regarding PFAS safety in cosmetics and indicating that the agency's position 'may be subject to change'. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) also identifies it as a PFAS, prohibiting its use in EWG VERIFIED products due to associated health effects. Concerns include enhanced skin absorption, high use restrictions, moderate endocrine disruption, high persistence and bioaccumulation, and moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its utility as a cryo-anesthetic and propellant, its classification as a PFAS with documented persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity by regulatory and consumer watchdog groups warrants its avoidance in precision skincare formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…