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PROPYLENE CARBONATE.

Valuable CAS 108-32-7 / SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Propylene Carbonate is a versatile, polar aprotic solvent crucial for effective formulation, facilitating the dissolution and suspension of active ingredients. It enhances ingredient penetration into the skin, improves product texture by reducing viscosity, and contributes to overall formulation stability by preventing ingredient separation.

Summary

solvent viscosity controlling penetration enhancer solubilizer product stabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Propylene Carbonate functions as a polar, aprotic solvent, effectively dissolving or suspending a wide array of ingredients without altering their chemical integrity. It is also a key penetration enhancer, increasing the skin's permeability to optimize the delivery of active compounds. Additionally, it improves product spreadability by decreasing viscosity, acts as a solubilizer for challenging ingredients, and stabilizes formulations by preventing the phase separation of oil and water components.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.54–20%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated no irritation or sensitization in human subjects (n=50).
  2. 02 Generally found to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating to moderately irritating (n=26-206 subjects).
  3. 03 Products were largely non-phototoxic and non-photosensitizing. One formulation at 20% may have caused a low-level photoallergic reaction in 1 of 25 subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a liquid solvent, Propylene Carbonate is not subject to dusting in formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Propylene Carbonate exhibits excellent stability under typical conditions, featuring strong oxidation resistance and minimal volatility. Its inherent chemical stability ensures resistance to degradation in both acidic and basic environments.

Synergies

  • Enhances penetration and solubility of active ingredients.
  • Improves overall product stability and texture.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
50%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded Propylene Carbonate is safe for cosmetic use up to 50% when formulated to be non-irritating, a finding reaffirmed in 2006. However, its safety is currently being re-evaluated by CIR in 2023 due to increased use and concentrations (up to 17.9% in leave-on products reported in 2022). The FDA permits its use as an inactive ingredient in approved topical drug formulations at concentrations up to 5%. While generally well-tolerated, undiluted application or 20% in an ethanol solution may cause moderate skin irritation. A singular case report noted a positive patch test in a patient reacting to a mixture containing Propylene Carbonate, indicating potential for individual sensitivity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Propylene Carbonate is a valuable formulating agent, effectively enhancing ingredient delivery, improving product aesthetics, and ensuring stability, with a low risk of irritation and sensitization when incorporated at appropriate concentrations.

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