Pentylene Glycol: mild preservative for sensitive skin

Pentylene glycol is a humectant used in cosmetic products. More precisely, it's a polyhydric moisturizing alcohol . Unlike monohydric alcohols such as ethanol and spirits, this alcohol is not drying. This makes it so interesting for preservation. Often, especially in natural cosmetics, monohydric, drying alcohols are still used as preservatives, often as a substitute for parabens. Pentylene glycol, however, has so many advantages. It is very well-tolerated and even suitable for sensitive skin and people with rosacea . It is completely plant-based and a sustainable alternative for preservation – not only in natural cosmetics.

If a product is preserved with pentylene glycol, it's likely that it will be advertised as preservative-free. However, these claims are very misleading, as pentylene glycol does have a preservative effect. Furthermore, this creates the misconception that preservatives are inherently dangerous and harmful. This is not the case. On the contrary, products containing water or plant juices should always contain preservatives, as otherwise harmful bacteria could quickly proliferate. This would indeed be harmful and no longer skin-friendly. As mentioned, it's more important to consider what your cosmetics are preserved with.