Ingredient guide · P

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a clear, odourless liquid used widely in UK skincare, haircare and cosmetics as a humectant and texture enhancer. It helps products feel silky, prevents them from drying out, and improves the absorption of other ingredients. You’ll find it in everything from moisturisers and serums to mascaras and lipsticks.

Propylene Glycol — Propylene glycol used in cosmetics is typically derived from plant-based sources such a… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, propylene glycol functions as an effective humectant that draws water into the upper layers of the skin or hair shaft. It also acts as a solvent to help dissolve active ingredients and as a penetration enhancer, allowing other beneficial components to be absorbed more readily. Its lightweight texture improves product spreadability and prevents formulations from becoming sticky or drying out on the shelf.

Key benefits

  • Attracts and binds moisture to the skin
  • Improves product texture and glide
  • Enhances absorption of other skincare ingredients
  • Helps prevent formulas from drying out
  • Conditions and softens hair
  • Works well in both leave-on and rinse-off products

Best for

dry skin, dehydrated skin, normal skin, combination skin

Where it comes from

Propylene glycol used in cosmetics is typically derived from plant-based sources such as corn, sugar cane or vegetable oils through a fermentation and distillation process.

Products with Propylene Glycol

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Propylene Glycol than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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