Rate My SPF

Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate

What Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate is & what it does

Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate is a synthetic ester formed from propylene glycol and benzoic acid. In cosmetic and sunscreen formulas it works mainly as a solvent and emollient, helping dissolve UV filters and other active ingredients while improving spreadability. Its solvent capacity makes it useful for keeping difficult-to-dissolve filters evenly distributed.

Is Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate safe?

Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate is a synthetic ester generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics at the levels typically used as a solvent and emollient. It is most often present in small supporting amounts. Patch testing is still a sensible step for easily irritated skin.

What does Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate do in skincare?

It works mainly as a solvent and emollient, helping dissolve UV filters and other ingredients while improving how a product spreads. In sunscreens this helps keep difficult filters evenly distributed. It is a formulation aid rather than a treatment active.

Is Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate natural or synthetic?

Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate is synthetic. It is produced by reacting propylene glycol with benzoic acid to form an ester. It does not have a direct botanical or animal origin.

Sunscreens with Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate

We rate 23 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients