Skip to content 
1,2-Pentanediol and traditional preservatives serve different functions in product formulation, but both aim to enhance the shelf life of products and prevent microbial growth. Here’s a comparison of the two:
What is 1,2-Pentanedio?
1,2-Pentanediol is a small molecule moisturizing agent, which is a synthetic moisturizing agent used as a solvent and preservative in cosmetics and beauty products. It has water locking and antibacterial functions, and can improve the water resistance of sunscreen products. But this ingredient has a slight irritation to the eyes and no irritation to the skin.
Recommended Dosage: 0.8~4.0% (exact dosage should be subject to customer’s finial product formulation).
Functions of 1,2-Pentanedio?
- Antimicrobial Activity: It has been found to possess mild antimicrobial properties, especially against bacteria and fungi. Its action is primarily to reduce microbial growth in formulations.
- Humectant: In addition to its preservative function, it helps to retain moisture in products, contributing to the hydration of the skin. Can improve the water resistance of sunscreen product formulas.
- Solvent: It helps dissolve other ingredients and enhance the texture and feel of formulations. Dissolve insoluble active ingredients. Used in various skincare products such as cream, eye cream, lotion, baby care products, sunscreen products, etc
- Stabilizer: It can stabilize formulations by preventing the breakdown of sensitive ingredients, like active compounds.
Benefits of 1,2-Pentanedio:
- Mild Preservative: 1,2-pentanediol is often used in conjunction with other preservatives to improve product stability, particularly in formulations where harsh chemicals are avoided.
- Skin-Friendly: It is generally considered less irritating than many traditional preservatives and is often included in “clean beauty” or sensitive skin formulations.Can be used in emulsion systems, water-based systems, anhydrous formulations, and surfactant washing systems, especially suitable for mother and baby products as well as additive free series products. Such as cream, lotion, bath milk, wet tissue, skin softener, shampoo, etc. In addition, pentanediol can effectively prevent the growth of fungi in wet tissue products.
- Non-volatile and Long-Lasting: As a humectant, it helps maintain the moisture balance of products and has a more long-lasting effect compared to traditional preservatives in some cases.
- In the field of personal care products, it is considered non-toxic and safe to use.Sensitivity: Human RIPT (Repeat Patch Test): None Skin irritation: None
Traditional Preservatives:
Traditional preservatives are chemicals used to prevent the growth of microorganisms (like bacteria, molds, and yeasts) and extend the shelf life of products. Examples include:
- Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, ethylparaben): These are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent microbial growth. However, they have faced scrutiny due to concerns over potential hormonal disruption.
- Phenoxyethanol: Commonly used in cosmetics, it has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and is effective against both bacteria and fungi. It’s often seen as a safer alternative to parabens but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Sodium Benzoate: Often used in cosmetics and food, it prevents microbial growth by creating an acidic environment. However, it’s less effective in neutral or alkaline formulations.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: A preservative with antimicrobial properties, it is often used as a milder alternative to parabens and works well in cosmetic formulations.
- Benzoic Acid: A common preservative in personal care products with antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Key Differences:
- Preservative Efficacy: Traditional preservatives like phenoxyethanol, parabens, and sodium benzoate tend to have stronger antimicrobial properties compared to 1,2-pentanediol, which is generally more effective in combination with other preservatives. 1,2-pentanediol’s role is often more about reducing microbial growth rather than completely eliminating it.
- Safety and Skin Sensitivity: 1,2-pentanediol is often considered gentler and less irritating to the skin compared to harsher traditional preservatives, making it a popular choice in “clean” beauty formulations. Traditional preservatives like parabens and phenoxyethanol have been associated with sensitivities and health concerns in some people.
- Use in Formulations: While traditional preservatives are often used as the primary preservative in products, 1,2-pentanediol is typically used in combination with other preservatives for broader protection against microbial growth. It also serves additional functions, like acting as a humectant and solvent.
- Regulatory Concerns: Some traditional preservatives (e.g., parabens) have come under regulatory scrutiny due to concerns over their potential effects on human health and the environment. This has led to increased interest in alternatives like 1,2-pentanediol in cleaner formulations.
Conclusion:
1,2-Pentanediol is a milder, multi-functional ingredient that can act as both a preservative and a humectant, often used in sensitive skin formulations or “clean beauty” products. It is less potent as a preservative compared to traditional preservatives but can be effective when combined with other preservative systems. Traditional preservatives, while generally more effective at inhibiting microbial growth, can sometimes cause skin irritation or be associated with health concerns, leading to a shift toward gentler alternatives in many modern formulations.
