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Pentylene Glycol

What Pentylene Glycol is & what it does

A multitasking humectant that hydrates while also boosting a formula's preservation, allowing for gentler preservative systems. It improves texture and absorbs without stickiness.

What is Pentylene Glycol and what does it do in sunscreen?

Pentylene Glycol is a multitasking humectant. It hydrates by holding water in the skin, improves the texture so the product absorbs without stickiness, and boosts a formula's preservation, which lets brands use gentler preservative systems. In a sunscreen it is a behind-the-scenes helper rather than an active sun filter.

Is Pentylene Glycol safe?

Yes. It is a widely used cosmetic humectant that is well tolerated at the levels found in skincare and sunscreen. It is generally low-irritation and is not flagged as an allergen in our data. As with any glycol, a small number of very reactive people may notice sensitivity, but it is considered safe as used for most.

Does Pentylene Glycol clog pores?

Generally no. It is a small, water-loving humectant rather than a heavy oil or wax, so it is considered non-comedogenic and an unlikely pore-clogger. Breakouts are far more likely to come from the richer emollients elsewhere in a formula.

Is Pentylene Glycol a preservative?

Not on its own, but it helps. Pentylene Glycol is classed as a humectant, and it also has preservation-boosting activity that lets a formula rely on a lighter dose of dedicated preservatives. So it supports the preservative system rather than replacing it.

What else is Pentylene Glycol called?

On an ingredient list it appears under its INCI name, Pentylene Glycol. It is part of the glycol family of humectants and is often chosen for its dual role as a hydrator and a preservative booster. It usually sits in the middle or lower part of the ingredient list.

Sunscreens with Pentylene Glycol

We rate 1359 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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