Propanediol 1,3

Propanediol is a humectant and solvent derived from corn sugar. It is a good natural alternative to propylene glycol.

Propanediol

Semi-viscous clear liquid

1–20%, though I find it can feel draggy beyond 3%—this does depend on the formulation, though!

In products it tends to be smooth, but too much can be draggy

Nothing very noticeable, slightly sweet

7

Water

It’s a fantastic non-sticky humectant. I’ll often include it in products that I want to be super hydrating (facial lotions, winter products, etc.). I frequently choose it for inclusion in more watery products (things like facial mists, gels, and micellar waters) where a tacky skin-feel would be really noticeable, especially since it can help reduce the stickiness of glycerin.

It helps add clarity and boosts both viscosity and flash-foam in surfactant products. It also increases the feeling of cleanliness on rinse-off.

No, but it’s inexpensive and versatile, so if somewhere you’re shopping will sell you a small amount I’d grab a bottle as part of a larger order.

It’s a great non-sticky humectant that serves many other purposes (see “why do we use it in recipes?”).

Can be harder to find than other humectants.

Vegetable glycerin is a decent alternative, though watch that you don’t include so much in the recipe that it starts to feel sticky. Propylene glycol would be a great alternative as they are very similar.

Include it in your heated water phase or cold-process it if the recipe does not require heating.

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Propanediol should last about a year once opened.

Propanediol can boost preservative performance!

30mL (1fl oz)

 Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.