The Core Secrets of Cosmetic Moisturizers and Solvents: A Comparison Guide to 5 Common Polyols

In cosmetics and skincare formulations, there is a class of ingredients that quietly supports a product's moisturizing power, texture, and stability—these are "Polyols."

The mechanism of action of polyols relies primarily on the hydroxyl groups (-OH) within their molecules. These groups are highly hydrophilic and can form hydrogen bonds with moisture in the air or within the skin, effectively capturing water and maintaining skin hydration. Different molecular sizes, hydroxyl group positions, and origins contribute to their unique physical properties and applications.

Today, we will provide an in-depth analysis of five common polyols on the market: 1,3-Butylene Glycol (BG), 1,3-Propanediol (PDO), Propylene Glycol (PG), Dipropylene Glycol (DPG), and Glycerine, to help you find the perfect formulation for your products!

Analysis of the Five Major Ingredients

1. Carfil1,3BG

• INCI: 1,3-Butylene Glycol

• Characteristics: Relatively lightweight texture.

• Advantages: Helps active ingredients effectively penetrate the skin, possesses good moisturizing and dissolving properties, and has low skin irritation.

• Applications: Widely used as a humectant and solvent in various cosmetics and skincare products.

Our company utilizes bio-based ingredients, specifically glycerine derived from palm oil.

2. 13PDO

• INCI: 1,3-Propanediol

• Characteristics: 100% bio-based origin! Produced using microbial anaerobic fermentation technology (e.g., from palm oil), it is a non-food source that avoids GMO and pathogenic bacteria issues (non-GMO, non-pathogenic).

• Advantages: Offers superior moisturizing effects compared to traditional PG and BG, with extremely low cytotoxicity (high IC50 value), making it very safe and gentle on the skin. It features high UV transmittance and low impurities, and provides excellent thickening effects (reducing the need for NaCl) and preservative synergy in formulations.

• Environmental Value: Utilizes a patented bacterial strain, requiring no high-temperature or high-pressure sterilization during production. It features low energy consumption, achieves near-zero hazardous waste emissions, and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 50%. Ideal for natural cosmetics highlighting "green, low-carbon, and sensitive skin-friendly" claims.

Our company utilizes bio-based ingredients, specifically glycerine derived from palm oil.

3. Wanlium 1,2PG

• INCI: Propylene Glycol

• Characteristics: Traditional petrochemical synthetic origin.

• Advantages: Highly significant dissolving and moisturizing properties, relatively low cost, and provides a preservative-boosting effect.

• Note: High concentrations may irritate the skin, and some individuals are prone to allergic reactions. It should be used with caution in skincare products for sensitive skin.

4. Carfil DPG

• INCI: Dipropylene Glycol

• Characteristics: Higher viscosity than PG and BG.

• Advantages: Due to its larger molecular size, it has lower penetration and will not cause excessive irritation. It has excellent solubility, effectively enhancing product texture and stability.

• Applications: An excellent "fragrance carrier," highly suitable for perfumes, lotions, and premium skincare products.

5. Evyap Oleo Glycerine USP Glycerine

• INCI: Glycerine

• Characteristics: Natural origin (from the hydrolysis of plant oils); it is an exceptionally strong humectant.

• Advantages: Extremely gentle and safe for the skin, offering restorative and protective functions while being natural and environmentally friendly.

• Note: High concentrations can feel sticky on the skin. In "extremely dry" environments, it may conversely draw moisture from within the skin, causing dryness. It is usually recommended to combine it with other polyols to balance the skin feel.