Is Propylene Glycol Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Propylene Glycol is a humectant that draws water into the skin to hydrate it. In cosmetics it is typically found in serums, essences, moisturizers and toners.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Humectant |
Is Propylene Glycol comedogenic?
No — Propylene Glycol scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Propylene Glycol cause fungal acne?
Propylene Glycol is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Propylene Glycol if you're acne-prone?
Propylene Glycol is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Propylene Glycol compares to other humectants
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Propylene Glycol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Butylene Glycol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glycerin | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Panthenol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Propylene Glycol comedogenic?
No — Propylene Glycol scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Propylene Glycol cause fungal acne?
Propylene Glycol is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Propylene Glycol safe for acne-prone skin?
Propylene Glycol is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Propylene Glycol found in?
Propylene Glycol is a humectant that draws water into the skin to hydrate it, and is commonly found in serums, essences, moisturizers and toners.
What can I use instead of Propylene Glycol?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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